New data from the Health Insurance Authority reveals a sharp decline in new private health insurance policies—nearly halved compared to last year’s third quarter. With the average premium now nearing €2,000, affordability is becoming a critical barrier for new entrants.

While over 2.5 million people in Ireland still hold private cover, growth is clearly stalling. The latest figures suggest reduced take-up among families, with child coverage slipping further since 2019. For C-suite leaders, this signals a pivotal moment: cost-conscious consumers may be rethinking the value equation of private healthcare.

This is not just a pricing issue—it’s a trust and relevance issue. If fewer people see the value, how should the sector adapt?

Read the full breakdown and what it means for your organisation.