Laya Healthcare is to increase the prices of its health insurance polices by an average of 4.5% from the start of October.
The provider, which has more than 700,000 customers, is also retiring ten of its existing policies.
Customers will be informed of any changes affecting them when renewing their policies.
Any price increases will only apply to new policies and renewals from October, with existing policyholders unaffected.
Customers currently insured under one of Laya’s plans being retired will be automatically moved to an equivalent plan at their renewal date.
They will be contacted directly by the provider and offered alternative plans with similar benefits, which is a legal requirement.
However, customers are not obliged to switch to a different plan and can choose to opt for a different plan with Laya or shop around with other health insurance providers.
This is Laya’s second price increase this year, after its health insurance policies went up by an average of 6.6% in April.
Commenting on Laya’s latest price-rise announcement, Health Insurance Expert Dermot Goode said “this was expected as they’re following previous trends of increasing rates twice per year, i.e., in April and now in October.
“This average of this latest increase is 4.5%. However, members need to be wary of these average figures as the actual increase on their plan may be significantly higher.
“The reason for the increase is the rising cost of claims, especially from the private hospital sector. It appears that all insurers are still struggling to contain these costs especially as members want access to the new emerging treatments, drug therapies and technology,” he added.
According to an analysis of the increase by Mr Goode, some Laya plans will not be increasing at all such as ‘Assure Protect’, ‘Inspire’ and ‘Inspire Plus’.
While the ‘Signify Care’ scheme will increase by around €54 per adult or €80 for a typical family.
Other plans, such as ‘Simply Connect Plus’ will see a much higher increase (12%), which equates to €289 for an adult or €716 for a family. (12%)
Laya’s ‘Momentum’ plan will increase by €283, or 10% for a single adult.
Mr Goode said “the advice to all consumers now is to never just accept these increases … don’t allow your cover to auto-renew.
“Members have six weeks now to engage with the insurer to source alternative, better value, cover. Always disclose your budget and challenge the insurer to find you similar cover that fits this.”
Commenting on the price rises, Managing Director of Laya healthcare D.O O’Connor said “the cost of delivering healthcare is going up across the world, and Ireland is no exception.
“Demand for health services is at an all-time high, particularly in the private and hi-tech hospital settings where we’re seeing a 14.8% increase in 2025 claim costs (year-to-date) when compared to last year.
“While advances in medical technology and new therapies are delivering welcome improvements in health outcomes for our members, this comes at the highest cost we’ve seen in over 25 years.
“Our product review aims to strike a careful balance between delivering fast access to healthcare while safeguarding affordability of cover for our members. Our product review gives our members greater choices and flexibility in their plans to keep their health cover at a cost that’s within reach.”
Article Source – Laya to increase health insurance prices from October