First time buying health insurance?

In recent years many people under 35 are taking out private medical insurance to avoid age related charges. For others it’s when their parents remove them from their plan. Or if they previously had it paid for by their employer but have switched jobs.

Get one month free on First Cover Plan the lowest priced health insurance hospital plan on the market offering customers the benefits of being with Irish Life Health.

*Get One Month Free from 1st Jan 2026.

Health insurance jargon buster

High tec hospital: The Blackrock Clinic, the Mater Private and the Beacon Clinic are considered hi-tech hospitals.
Excess: An excess is the first part of any insurance claim that you have to pay yourself. The lower the excess the higher the overall cost of your plan.
In Patient: Treatment received during an overnight stay in hospital.
Lifetime Communicty Rating (LCR): Under Lifetime Community Rating (LCR), community rating is modified to reflect the age at which a person takes out private health insurance. Late entry loadings are applied to the premiums of those who join the health insurance market at age 35 or over. If you are 35 years of age or over and you do not have health insurance, it will cost you more due to Lifetime Community Rating.

Why Irish Life Health

Irish Life Health ExpressCare Clinics

We're there for express care including our network of 21 other minor injury clinics.

Digital Doctor

Get unlimited fast access to Doctor’s advice and prescriptions via chat, phone or video.

Healthy Minds

Get access to independent professional counselling. Because we all need a healthy mind as well as a healthy body.

Back-Up

Get expert advice and treatment for acute back and neck pain from a network of nationwide physiotherapists.

Children's health cover available from just €12.50 per month

When it comes to your little one's health, advice and peace of mind matter most. That's why Irish Life Health offers cover for children at just €12.50 per month.

*Price effective from 1st January 2026

There’s lots to consider when purchasing health insurance for the first time. Here’s some handy tips to make sure you opt for the right policy.

A Handy Guide for First-Time Buyers of Health Ins.

Still not sure what plan to buy?

See all plans here

Lowest price based on adult price.

*Offer applies to the MyPlan range, Benefit, Health Guide 1, Health Guide 2, First Cover and First Cover Extra. One month free is equivalent to 8.33% discount spread over 12 months on new policies starting 1st January to 30th April 2026.

Offer applies to the Nurture Plus Plan on new policies starting 1st January 2026 to 30th March 2026. Terms and conditions and restrictions apply. Offer available for kids aged up to 17 years old.

Terms and Conditions apply. For exact details of cover, please check the Irish Life Health Membership Handbook and Table of Cover.