THE AVERAGE NATIONAL cost of going to see the doctor is €46.26, according to a new survey by Laya Healthcare.

The online research poll of 501 parents with children under 18 who hold private health insurance found that Dublin has the most expensive GP visit costs, with an average consultation fee of €53.29.

National average

The survey states the national average is €46.26. People in the west and northwest are paying the lowest GP costs at an average of €45.61.

The Cost of Kids Health Index survey states that 84 per cent said they bring their children to the doctor to get a prescription.

Laya Healthcare states that Irish parents who have health insurance spent €132.7 million on private healthcare costs for their children over the past year, with the under fives accounting for the highest charges.

The results find that 17 out of 20 visits to the GP with a sick child result in a prescription being given, with an average annual annual cost to the parents costing €85. Laya Healthcare state that last year, the total spend by Irish families on prescription medicines for their children was over €20 million.

One in three families surveyed, who have private health insurance, said they plan to cancel their insurance this year due to rising premium costs.

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