The Hard Shoulder Is health insurance unaffordable for families? - Henry McKean Asks
Nov 19, 2025
Henry McKean, a radio reporter known for his immersive street interviews, delves into how a 10% increase in the health insurance levy is impacting families. He shares firsthand public reactions, highlighting the frustrations of those who can't afford coverage. Consumer expert Sinead Ryan breaks down the levy’s purpose, explaining how it helps older and higher-risk individuals while preserving community rating. The discussion reveals the complexities behind rising healthcare costs and the emotional toll on families navigating the system.
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Levy And Premiums Significantly Increase Costs
- The levy will raise the average adult charge to about €517 and a child to €172 from April 2026.
- Private premiums rose ~25% from €1,400 in 2020 to €1,750 in 2025, compounding affordability pressure.
Levy Preserves Community Rating
- The levy is a socialised subsidy to keep older and sicker people covered under community rating.
- Without it, insurers would underwrite and older/sicker people could be excluded or face much higher prices.
Community Rating Prevents Market Exclusion
- Community rating prevents insurers from charging older or sicker people higher premiums.
- Removing it would push many higher-risk people onto the public system and fragment coverage.