What’s Changing from 1 August 2026?
12 August 2026
There are 3 newly logged plans entering the market (1 Level Health, 2 VHI). In addition Laya is rumoured to have a new plan called 'Inspire Advantage' but they have not yet release any details on this plan other than the price at €1,683.62/yr. There are 60 existing policies that have undergone benefit or excess structural changes (59 VHI, 1 Laya). 3 policies have altered their prices, 2 increases and 1 decrease.
Irish Health Insurance Changes from 1 August 2026: Key Updates to Orthopaedic Cover & Hospital Access
Several updates took effect across Irish health insurance plans on 1 August 2026. Even though it is teh height of summer the health insurance firms have been buzy making changes to their offerings. Lots of plans within VHI’s existing portfolio have had benefit changes, alongside new plan releases from Level Health and VHI. 3 Laya plans have had price changes also - 2 increases and, unusually, 1 decrease.
Additionally, market updates indicate that Laya planned to launch a new plan called 'Inspire Advantage' on 1 August, though official benefit details and pricing for this policy have yet to be published.
Here is a breakdown of the key structural and cost changes taking effect this month.
Price Changes Summary
The following table outlines the annual price updates and percentage adjustments across Laya plans with active premium changes logged in this update:
| Provider | Plan | Previous Annual Cost | New Annual Cost | Annual Change (% Increase) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laya | Assure Protect | €549.48 | €592.80 | +€43.32 (+7.88%) |
| Laya | Assure Vitality | €716.64 | €732.36 | +€15.72 (+2.19%) |
| Laya | Essential Assist | €1,249.32 | €1,212.96 | −€36.36 (−2.91%) |
Benefit changes on 59 VHI plans
Most of the VHI plans have had benefit changes effective 1 Aug 2026. It took a while for the benefit tables to be published but they are there now and we have analysed each one.
PMI 40 15
This plan now includes comprehensive coverage for high-tech hospitals although there is a €200 per night excess. Orthopaedic procedures in high tech are now also included with 80% coverage.
Fertility Benefits
Several plans have moved from a lifetime basis to a renewal year basis for fertility benefits (initial consultation, tests, IUI, ICSI, PGT, frozen embryo transfer)
Minor Tweaks
Other changes are on fringe benefits such as introduction of General vaccinations up to €35 per renewal year and return home benefits restricted to 3 claims per annum
Benefit changes on Assure Protect (Laya)
Every Day Medical Expenses
As well as an almost 8% price rise, on this plan the day to day medical expenses have been reduced such as outpatient limit reduced from €6,500 per annum to €2,500 per annum
New Plans
Level Health
- Plan Pro Extra (€134.08/mo | €1,608.96/yr): Provides 100% cover for semi-private and private rooms in Public and Private hospitals (with a €50 per-claim excess in Private hospitals). High-Tech access is covered at 100% subject to a €200 nightly excess. Applies a fixed €5,000 co-payment for specified orthopaedic procedures in Private and High-Tech hospitals.
VHI
- EnhancedCare 75 Day to Day (€125.47/mo | €1,505.64/yr): Offers 100% cover for semi-private rooms in Public (€0 excess) and Private hospitals (€75 excess). Features a 40% orthopaedic co-payment in Private hospitals and a 100% shortfall in High-Tech hospitals.
- FirstCare 500 (€85.13/mo | €1,021.56/yr): Entry-level cover providing 100% semi-private room cover in Public hospitals (€0 excess) and Private hospitals (€500 excess per claim). Features a 40% orthopaedic co-payment in Private hospitals and a 100% shortfall in High-Tech hospitals.
Find Your Ideal Plan
With so many changes taking effect, it is the perfect time to ensure your health insurance plan still meets your needs. At MedPlan.ie, you can easily compare all available plans from Irish insurers side-by-side. Use our free comparison tool to find the best value and the right level of cover for you and your family ahead of these August updates.