The Health Insurance Authority is offering free health insurance comparisons to encourage consumers to review their health insurance plan, stating that research reveals that 61 per cent of people have never switched plans.
HIA encourages consumers to review their plan each year at their renewal date to ensure that their policy fits their current health needs and budget. According to the authority, due to a number of price increases in the health insurance market this year, it is more important than ever for consumers to shop around.
Christina Prendergast, head of communications at the HIA, said: "With the cost of living, rising groceries, back to school, interest rate rises, and the Budget on the way before Christmas, if you are due to renew your health insurance, it could be a good time to review if you’re on the best plan for you.
"With 338 health insurance plans on the market, consumers can feel overwhelmed by the number of options and are often reluctant to switch plans," she added. "According to the HIA’s 2021 consumer survey, the majority of people with health insurance [61 per cent] have never switched, and of those who have switched, over half [56 per cent] have only done so once. There has been a significant increase in the perception of it being difficult to switch among those who have chosen not to switch health insurance, but consumers can visit www.hia.ie or call the HIA helpline for free impartial information on choosing a health insurance plan that suits their budget and needs."
The role of the HIA is to ensure consumers are aware of their rights and insurers know their responsibilities in relation to health insurance in Ireland. The HIA enables a functioning health insurance market for the benefit of consumers, providers and policy makers that underpins an accessible health service.
The HIA is responsible for effectively monitoring the compliance of registered undertakings with the Health Insurance Acts and accompanying regulations and taking measures to secure such compliance.
The Health Insurance Act 2013 provides the legislative basis for the Risk Equalisation Scheme and the Risk Equalisation Fund, the mechanisms used to implement and support Lifetime Community Rating in the Irish health insurance market.
