Irish Life Health becomes first insurer in Ireland to offer supervised access pathway to GLP-1 treatment through Specialist Weight Loss Support Programme

Irish Life Health has launched a new Specialist Weight Loss Support Programme for eligible members, becoming the first health insurer in Ireland to offer a supervised, clinically led specialist weight loss pathway that can include GLP-1 treatment where clinically appropriate.

Now available on selected plans, the programme has been developed for adults with obesity who meet defined clinical criteria and provides a structured clinical pathway to weight loss, combining GP assessment, ongoing review and dietetic support. The GPs and dieticians to which patients are referred under the programme all have an existing special interest in obesity care and GLP-1 dietetics respectively.

Obesity remains a significant health issue in Ireland, with almost one in four adults living with the condition, rising to almost one in three men. It is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and joint problems, and carries a significant cost across the health system and wider society.

GLP-1 medicines have become an increasingly important treatment option in obesity care for appropriately selected patients. Their use, however, requires proper clinical assessment, clear eligibility criteria and ongoing medical oversight. As these medicines are still relatively new in weight management, prescribing them can involve a level of patient selection, monitoring and follow-up that sits outside the routine model of care in many general practice settings.

Obesity is also often still managed through its related complications, such as diabetes, sleep apnoea or cardiovascular risk, rather than through a dedicated obesity pathway. Against that backdrop, Irish Life Health’s programme has been designed as a holistic alternative.

Eligible members can access an initial consultation with a special interest GP at no additional cost, followed by six cost-supported follow-up consultations, alongside access to dietetic support. Where clinically appropriate, GLP-1 medication may be prescribed as part of an overall care plan.

Irish Life Health does not cover the cost of prescribed medication under this benefit, although members may have cover for prescriptions under other benefits on their plan. Members who
are not suitable for medication can still benefit from the wider clinical and dietetic support available through the programme.

The programme is designed to provide a structured clinical pathway that combines medical oversight, continuity of care and practical lifestyle support. The service is provided by HealthHero Healthcare Ireland Limited.

Dr James Ryan, Medical Director at HealthHero, said:
“Obesity is a complex chronic disease with serious implications for long-term health, particularly where it is already contributing to cardiovascular risk, type 2 diabetes and other related conditions. GLP-1 medicines have become an important treatment option for some patients, but they are not a casual intervention, and they are not suitable in every case. Their use needs to be grounded in clinical assessment, meeting clear eligibility criteria with ongoing medical oversight.

One of the realities in practice is that these medicines are still relatively new in obesity care and can require a level of confidence, monitoring and continuity that is not always easy to provide in routine primary care. Obesity, too, has historically not always been treated as a chronic disease in its own right, with care often delivered through the management of associated conditions instead.

That is why this programme has been designed as a supervised pathway rather than simply a route to prescription. It combines special interest GP input, follow-up care and dietetic support, so that treatment, where it is appropriate, forms part of a broader and more structured model of care. We believe that is the best approach for patients and the correct standard of care in an area of medicine that is evolving quickly.”

Ann Marie Nestor, Managing Director of Irish Life Health, said:
“This programme reflects a very deliberate decision by Irish Life Health to respond to an important healthcare development in a way that is clinically grounded, responsible and of real practical value to members. There is clearly growing interest in GLP-1 treatment, but our focus has been on supporting access in the right way for members for whom it may be appropriate. That means putting in place a structured programme of assessment, follow-up care and dietetic support in an area where care pathways are still evolving, rather than presenting this as a standalone medication offer.

We see this as a strong example of the role health insurance can play when care is changing, in that we are helping to shape access in a way that supports better standards, better member experience and better long-term health outcomes.”

The Specialist Weight Loss Support Programme launched on 1 April 2026 and is available on selected Irish Life Health plans for members aged 18 and over.

The programme includes one fully covered initial consultation with a special interest weight loss GP, six further consultations each 50% covered, and access to dietetic support through MyClinic. A member contribution of €17.50 applies to each follow-up consultation.

Eligibility for the programme is based on clinical criteria, including a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI between 27 and 30 where there is a related health condition present, including hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, prediabetes, dyslipidaemia or non-alcohol fatty liver disease. Final eligibility and suitability are subject to clinical assessment.

GLP-1 medication may be prescribed where clinically appropriate following GP assessment. Irish Life Health does not cover the cost of prescribed medication under this benefit, although members may have cover for prescriptions under other benefits on their plan. The cost of pharmacy BMI checks is not covered. Members who are not clinically eligible for medication may still access dietetic support through the programme. The benefit may be used once per policy year.

Certain clinical exclusions apply, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, active eating disorder, recent cardiovascular event, uncontrolled hypertension, severe liver disease, severe renal impairment, active substance use disorder, recent or active cancer, and certain thyroid or endocrine risk factors. Final treatment decisions are made by the treating clinician.

Terms and conditions apply. Full details are available at https://www.irishlife.ie/health-insurance/health-benefits/specialist-weight-loss-support/

For media queries, please contact
Joe Corcoran, PR Manager, Irish Life 

joe.corcoran@irishlife.ie 

083 860 7990