Private health insurance (PHI) plays a vital role in Ireland’s healthcare system, with almost half of the population choosing to purchase cover and benefiting from timely access to a wide range of services. In 2024, insurers paid over €3.0 billion in claims to more than one million people, with the top five treatment categories: orthopaedic, cancer, digestive, cardiac and genitourinary, accounting for €1.7 billion and more than 800,000 claimants. This represents a significant share of national healthcare delivery.
The private system not only supports PHI members but eases demand on the public system. Without PHI, much of the care currently delivered privately would need to be absorbed by the public sector, increasing waiting times and placing further pressure on system capacity. As Sláintecare brings major reform across the health landscape, the need for a clear strategy for the role of PHI becomes increasingly important. Without such clarity, the ability of the private system to continue meeting customer needs risks being undermined, with knock-on effects for the wider health system and Exchequer.
Insurance Ireland recognises the shared responsibility of insurers, government, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) in defining the future role of PHI. Affordability and sustainability remain key challenges, driven by rising healthcare demand, increasing costs and an ageing population. While insurers continue to manage costs, the regulatory and legislative environment is also crucial. Insurance Ireland calls for active engagement with government to ensure a sustainable, accessible PHI market that continues to support Ireland’s overall healthcare capacity.