Key Health Insurance Changes September 2026

Upcoming Health Insurance Plan Changes (1 September 2026)

As we approach the autumn season, health insurance providers in Ireland are introducing a number of updates to their plan offerings. These changes, effective from **1 September 2026**, include revisions to existing plans and the introduction of brand-new options. Below is a summary of the key updates to help you understand what's changing.

VHI Plan Updates

Two popular VHI plans have price changes. One of these has also updates to everyday medical benefits.

Price Changes:

• VHI – PMI 19 11 (Plan #48):drops to 138.98 pm (reduciton 1.5%).
• VHI – PMI 38 14 (Plan #58):increases to 180.05 pm (increase 5.4%).

Updated Plans:

• VHI – PMI 38 14 (Plan #58): This plan is enhancing its everyday medical benefits. Previously, consultant visits had a fixed €130 cap. From September, the plan will cover **75% of consultant visit costs** with no fixed cap. Additionally, minor injury clinic visits will now be covered at **100%**, subject to a **€75 excess per visit**. This change offers more flexible and potentially higher coverage for routine specialist care.

Laya Health Plan Updates

Laya is refreshing its portfolio with a new mid-tier option.

New Plan:

• Laya – Inspire Advantage (Plan #385): Priced at **€140.30 per month**, this new plan was actually offered from Aug 1 but Laya were slow to put detailed up. It offers comprehensive hospital cover and a solid everyday medical benefit package.
  • Hospital Cover: Provides 100% coverage for private and semi-private rooms in public and private hospitals, and 100% for private rooms in high-tech hospitals. It includes an **excess of €175 for private rooms in high-tech hospitals**.
  • Day-to-Day Benefits: Covers 50% of costs for GP, consultant, physio, and radiology visits. It offers **100% cover for minor injury clinic visits**, subject to a €50 excess. There is an annual out-patient limit of €1,000 and a €1 excess.

New Irish Life Health Plans

Irish Life Health is introducing two new plan levels, providing more choice in the mid-to-high market segment.

• Irish Life – ILH A01 (Plan #386): Available at **€154.01 per month**.
  • Hospital Cover: Offers 100% cover for private/semi-private rooms in public and private hospitals. For high-tech hospitals, it covers 50% of private room costs. It includes a **€150 excess for private rooms in private hospitals**.
  • Day-to-Day Benefits: Features a more generous annual out-patient limit of **€3,500**. It covers 50% of GP and consultant visits (capped at €40 and €125 per visit respectively) and offers 75% cover for minor injury clinic visits (up to €200 per visit).
• Irish Life – ILH A02 (Plan #387): The higher-tier option at **€172.09 per month**.
  • Hospital Cover: Similar to the A01 plan for public and private hospitals. It includes a **€75 excess for private rooms in both private and high-tech hospitals**.
  • Day-to-Day Benefits: This plan steps up the outpatient cover with **75% reimbursement** for GP, consultant, and radiology visits, with higher per-visit caps for GP (€60) and consultant (€190) visits. Minor injury clinic visits are covered at 75% up to €300 per visit.

Compare Your Options on MedPlan.ie

With several plans changing and new options becoming available, September 2026 is an ideal time to review your health insurance. The best plan for you depends on your personal needs and budget. To ensure you have the right level of cover, we encourage you to **compare all available plans side-by-side on MedPlan.ie**. Our free comparison tool will help you find the perfect fit for the year ahead.