Since 2002, the HIA has conducted a biennial survey to assess public attitudes towards health insurance in Ireland. This latest study from Ipsos B&A examines health insurance incidence, reasons for holding or avoiding insurance, awareness of Lifetime Community Rating, switching behaviours, cost perceptions, satisfaction levels, and HIA awareness. The 2025 survey, conducted via face-to-face interviews, highlights that 46% of Irish adults have health insurance, primarily from the socio-economic group ABC1, which constitutes 67% of policyholders. Health insurance uptake is higher among Dublin residents and older populations.
The survey reveals low levels of market movement with many consumers choosing to remain on their existing plans rather than actively shopping around, reflecting the complexity of the market and the challenges consumers face in comparing plans. While 46% of adults hold private health insurance, over 70% have never switched either provider or plan. Of those that did switch, only 4% switched provider in the last year, and just 15% switched plans with the same provider, despite significant premium increases and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
The lack of movement in consumer behaviour is reflected in purchasing behaviour. Although 70% of consumers who have switched say they “review their policy” at renewal, a striking 82% did not shop around at all in the past 12 months. Further evidence of limited consumer engagement is shown with 74% saying they have never considered switching providers and 66% saying they have never even considered switching plans with the same provider, with consumers staying an average of 20 years on health insurance plans. Satisfaction with providers and customer service also remains high, reinforcing inertia even as premiums rise.
Common reasons for having insurance include employer-provided insurance, quicker healthcare access, treatment costs, and public health system limitations. For those without it, cost is the main barrier, with a significant portion previously having had it but canceling due to expense. There is strong belief in the necessity of health insurance (61%), but clarity issues persist, as 47% find it difficult to understand. Vhi, Laya, and Irish Life Health continue to dominate the market.
Read an article from RTE.ie: 70% have never changed health insurance provider – study
For more information, please contact Paul Moran (Director): paul.moran@ipsos.com
