Irish Life Health said it is raising the cost of its premiums by an average of 5pc from January 1, having already announced a number of rises in the past year.
The health insurance provider increased premiums in January, April and October.
And it comes after multiple hikes from VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare, and one from new entrant Level Health.
Customers of Irish Life Health will see a single adult premiums rise by between €65 and €125 a year, for plans covering public and private hospitals.
For a typical family of four, it could add anything from €160 to €255 to their total bill.
There have been multiple increases in the cost of health insurance this year. Photo: Getty
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Friday, November 28
For adults on higher level plans or dated schemes, the increases could well exceed this, said leading health insurance broker Dermot Goode, of HealthInsuranceIreland.ie.
The latest Irish Life Health rise comes are almost half of the health insurance market is due to renew its cover between now and February.
This amounts to around 1.25 million policyholders.
Mr Goode said: “The ‘Perfect Storm’ continues for health insurance consumers as nearly half the market, or 1.25 million health insurance customers, are due to renew their cover between December and February. So this couldn’t come at a worse time.”
The Irish Life price rises will impact all existing and new members joining or renewing from January.
It comes after Irish Life already increased the cost of the average plan by 3pc from the start of October, with VHI Health Healthcare also pushing through a similar-sized rise on the same date. Laya Healthcare announced a 4.5pc rise in the cost of cover. And before that Irish Life Health had already had put through a 3.7pc rise in January this year, and a 2pc in April, Mr Goode said.
Level Health is holding its current rates until February 1 next year.
Irish Life Health blamed this increase on the continuing increases in both the cost and volume of claims, particularly from the private hospital sector.
Mr Goode said some Irish Life consumers may escape the latest increase.
“We understand that not all plans will be increasing. For example, the Health Guide and Health Action plans may not be increasing at this time.
“Others may be hit harder, as we understand that the highest increase on a small number of plans could be up to 11pc.”
Mr Goode said the cumulative impact of multiple rate hikes since the last renewal could leave members facing total increases of between 6pc and 10pc, or higher depending on the plan in question.
He is now expecting more price rises from the other health insurers.
Managing director of Irish Life Health Ann Marie Nestor said increases in the cost of delivering healthcare continue to be a challenge that all health insurers are facing.
“People today benefit from more advanced and innovative treatment options, much of which is delivered in specialised settings.”
Ms Nester said she was acutely aware the price rise comes at a difficult time for many households.
This month it was announced that the Government levy on the majority of plans will increase by €48 to €517 a year from April.