In the health insurance industry in Ireland there is the concept of Community Rating. This is a system whereby a person's age does not mean they pay a different premium for their health insurance. However, there are a number of exceptions to this rule:
- From 1 May 2015, if you first buy health insurance at age 35 or over, an age at entry loading may apply to your premium. This is Lifetime Community Rating.
- Children - persons aged under 18, where the premium must be no more than 50% of the adult rate.
- The premium for young adults, i.e., those aged 18-25 may be reduced.
- Members of group schemes, where the premium may be reduced by up to 10%.
- Pensioners who are members of restricted membership insurers may have their premiums reduced.
For young adults the difference in price depends on the plan. Use our Plan Comparison Tool to compare prices.