Health insurer cuts coverage for major procedures, warns expert

Dermot Goode of Health Insurance Ireland has warned that health insurers are reducing the number of procedures covered under existing policies.

Speaking on The Claire Byrne Show, Goode said customers have become accustomed to recent inflation‑driven premium hikes, but must now also expect “quite significant” cuts to benefits. He highlighted that the peak renewal period, when half the market reviews or renews cover between November and the end of February, is currently underway and renewal notices are being sent out.

According to Goode, the reductions particularly affect full cover for surgeries such as hip, knee and shoulder replacements, as well as eye procedures like cataract removal. Older members who have been paying higher premiums for comprehensive cover may find those benefits removed, prompting a “real wake‑up call”.

He urged policy‑holders to read the fine print and shop around for comparable plans. Goode noted that a plan costing €2,564 today would need to rise to between €3,000 and €3,500 to retain similar benefits.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: SHVETS production / Pexels.