LAYA HEALTHCARE HAS announced another increase in health insurance premiums, with prices set to rise by an average of 4.7% from 1 April.

The insurer said the hike, affecting 65 plans, will amount to roughly €80 extra per adult per year and will apply from members’ next renewal date.

The company said the review reflects rising healthcare costs, pointing to a 15% year-on-year increase in private and high-tech hospital costs and growing demand for private treatment.

The insurer is also applying the Government-mandated increase in the health insurance levy from April, which will raise the levy on advanced adult policies by €48 to €517.

The latest move marks Laya’s third price increase in the past 12 months, following hikes last April and October.

It comes just weeks after rival Vhi confirmed a further 3% average increase from March, its third rise in a year.

Laya said more than one-third of its plans (37 in total) will see no change in price, while some young-adult rates will fall and child premiums will be reduced by between 15% and 25% on selected plans.

It is also extending its ‘Kids Go Free’ offer on certain products until the end of June.

In addition to pricing changes, Laya announced adjustments to outpatient excesses on a number of plans and said 16 older products will be retired, with affected members moved to alternative options at renewal.

All affected members will be contacted directly in advance of their renewal date.

Commenting on the price increases, Laya’s managing director D.O. O’Connor said that their customers want to “know they’re getting good value”.

“We’ve taken care in this review to balance affordability with access, holding prices on one‑third of our plans and reducing costs for young adults, children and families on some of our most popular plans,” O’Connor said.

The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) said the price changes can impact families.

“Price changes can be concerning for households, particularly at a time when many families are already managing rising costs,” HIA Chief Executive Brian Lee said.

“With insurers regularly updating their products and prices, we strongly encourage people to review their plan at every renewal. There may be better value options available that still meet your needs.”