Laya Healthcare is increasing premiums on 65 of its health insurance plans by an average of 4.7%, with the changes taking effect on April 1st, 2026, for those renewing their policies. The price hikes will add approximately €80 annually to the cost of adult coverage, according to the company.
This marks the third round of premium increases implemented by Laya within a 12-month period. In October 2025, the insurer raised prices by an average of 4.5%, following a 6.6% increase earlier in the same year. Laya’s average price increases are now outpacing those of its competitors, VHI Healthcare and Irish Life Health.
While the majority of plans will see a price increase, Laya stated that over one-third of its plans – 37 in total – will remain unchanged or experience a reduction in price. This includes child and young adult rates. Approximately 16 plans will be transitioned to equivalent plans at renewal, ensuring policyholders maintain the same inpatient benefits, with only minor permitted deviations under existing legislation.
Customers currently mid-contract will not be affected by the April 1st changes. the new premiums will apply upon their policy renewal. Policyholders are not obligated to accept the replacement plan offered and are free to explore alternative options available in the market.
The company attributes the price increases to rising healthcare costs, both globally and within Ireland, specifically citing increased demand for private care in areas such as oncology, cardiology, orthopaedics, and spinal surgery. Laya reported a 15% rise in costs associated with private and high-tech hospital bills.
According to analyst Dermot Goode, the premium increases will vary depending on the specific plan, ranging from €62 to €217 per adult annually. He estimates that a typical family could face an additional cost of €148 to €203 per year. The Simply Connect Plus scheme, a popular plan offered by Laya, is set to increase by 9.6%, adding €261 per adult or €520 annually for a retired couple.
Laya Healthcare, with approximately 720,000 customers, is the second-largest health insurer in the Irish market. The company stated it returns approximately €9 of every €10 in premium revenue to members in the form of claims.
