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 5% Off on the First Cover Plan, our lowest priced health insurance hospital plan offering customers the benefits of being with Irish Life Health.
*Get 5% Off from 1st June 2026.
Health insurance jargon buster
- High tech 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.
A Handy Guide for First-Time Buyers of Health Ins.
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.
Still not sure what plan to buy?
*A 5% discount is available on the MyPlan range, BeneFit, BeneFit Extra, First Cover, First Cover Extra, Health Guide 1 and 2, Select More and Select More with Day 2 Day pack when you buy online.
The 5% discount spread over 12 months on new policies starting 1st June to 31st July 2026.
Terms and Conditions apply. For exact details of cover, please check the Irish Life Health Membership Handbook and Table of Cover.