Cover That Keeps Up With You
If you’re under 35, life can be a balancing act — work, social life, wellness, and that ever-growing to-do list. Health might not always make it to the top, but knowing you’re covered gives you one less thing to worry about. That’s where its4women health insurance, in partnership with Irish Life Health, steps in — with cover that’s flexible, digital, and designed for the way you actually live.
When choosing health insurance, it’s important to decide on the right plan and the best cover for your needs, so you have peace of mind and access to quality healthcare when you need it.
Take the time to decide on the right plan to ensure you have the best cover for your lifestyle.
What Matters Most to You
Irish Life’s Health of the Nation 2025* research shows that mental health is the top concern for younger people, with 67% reporting poor mental health and 47% feeling isolated or lonely. Many are also striving for balance — cutting down screen time, making time to move, and finding ways to switch off from work stress. Our plans make it easier to look after your health (and your headspace) — wherever you are.
Benefits Designed for Your Lifestyle
Note: Many of the above benefits are provided as a contribution towards the cost of services. Terms and conditions apply. Please check your Irish Life Health Table of Cover and Membership Handbook for more information and your exact cover
Why it Matters
With one in three under-35s losing sleep over finances, it’s reassuring to know you can access digital doctors, mental-health support, and fitness perks all in one affordable plan. Many under-35s wonder if health insurance is worth it, but the value lies in the peace of mind and financial protection it offers during illness or emergencies.
Private health insurance typically provides quicker access to healthcare services compared to relying solely on the public system.
Get a quote today and discover cover that keeps up with your lifestyle — so you can focus on feeling your best.
Types of Health Insurance Plans
When it comes to health insurance in Ireland, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Health insurance plans are designed to match different health needs, lifestyles, and budgets—so you can find the right cover for you. Here’s a quick guide to the main types of health insurance plans available:
Inpatient plans: These plans focus on covering the big stuff—like hospital stays, surgeries, and treatments that require you to be admitted. If you want peace of mind for major medical events, an inpatient plan can help protect you from unexpected costs.
Outpatient plans: Perfect for managing everyday medical expenses, outpatient plans help with the cost of GP visits, physiotherapy, and other routine healthcare services. They’re a great choice if you want support for regular check-ups and minor treatments.
Comprehensive plans: For those who want it all, comprehensive plans combine inpatient and outpatient benefits. You’ll get extensive health insurance cover for a wide range of services, from hospital care to dental visits and more.
Leading health insurance providers in Ireland, offer a variety of plans to suit your unique health needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for cover for everyday medical expenses or want to be prepared for the unexpected, there’s a healthcare plan out there for you.
Health Insurance Premiums
Understanding how health insurance premiums work can help you make smarter choices about your cover.
In Ireland, the amount you pay for your health insurance plan depends on several key factors:
Age: Under Lifetime Community Rating rules, if you take out private health insurance for the first time after age 34, a 2% loading is added for every year you delay. Getting covered early helps you avoid these loadings and can save you money in the long run.
Health status: Your premium won’t change based on your health — everyone pays the same price for the same plan. However, if you have a pre-existing condition, waiting periods may apply before you can claim for related treatment.
Plan type: Comprehensive plans with wider hospital and out-patient cover usually come with higher premiums, while entry-level plans tend to cost less.
Insurance company: Each provider sets their own rates, so it’s worth comparing health insurance plans to find the best fit and value for your needs.
To keep your health insurance premium manageable, review your plan regularly and don’t be afraid to shop around. Staying informed and proactive can help you get the right cover at the right price.
Community Rating: How Your Age Affects Your Costs
Community rating is a key feature of health insurance in Ireland. It means that health insurance providers must charge the same premium for a particular plan, no matter your age, gender, or health status. However, Lifetime Community Rating legislation adds an important twist: if you wait until after age 35 to buy health insurance, you’ll pay a higher premium—an extra 2% for every year you delay.
Bad news is Lifetime Community Rating loadings last for ten years but good news is that there is a maximum loading once applied.
For younger people, this is good news. Taking out a health insurance plan before your 35th birthday helps you lock in lower premiums and avoid extra costs down the line. If you put off getting cover, you could end up paying significantly more for the same level of service. Understanding how community rating and Lifetime Community Rating legislation work can help you make the most of your health insurance and keep your costs down.
Claiming on Health Insurance: How It Works
Making a claim on your health insurance plan is straightforward once you know the steps. Here’s how it usually works:
Gather your documents: Collect all the detailed paperwork you’ll need, such as medical records, receipts, and invoices for the treatment or service.
Submit your claim: Send your documents to your health insurer, following their specific process—many providers now offer easy online submissions.
Wait for approval: Your insurance company will review your claim and may ask for more information if needed.
Get reimbursed or paid directly: Once approved, you’ll either receive reimbursement for your costs or your insurer will pay the provider directly.
It’s important to be aware of any waiting periods that apply to your health insurance plan, especially for new policies or specific treatments. Knowing the details of your plan and the claiming process helps you get the benefits you’re entitled to—quickly and hassle-free. Claims are subject to the terms, conditions and waiting periods of your plan.
Health Insurance and Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have a pre-existing condition, your health insurer cannot charge you more or refuse to cover you. However, waiting periods—typically up to five years—may apply before you can claim for treatment related to that condition. Once these waiting periods have passed, you’ll enjoy the same level of cover as anyone else on your plan.
Health Insurance and Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and many health insurance plans in Ireland now reflect that. With the right health insurance plan, you can access a range of mental health services, including:
Outpatient services: Cover for counselling, therapy sessions, and consultations with mental health professionals.
Inpatient services: Support for hospital stays or specialist treatment if you need more intensive care.
Everyday medical expenses: Help with the cost of GP visits, medication, and ongoing mental health support.
When choosing a health insurance plan, look closely at the mental health benefits offered by each insurance company. Comprehensive mental health cover can make a real difference, giving you access to the support and treatment you need to look after your wellbeing—now and in the future. Benefits and limits vary by plan — for example, counselling sessions may have an annual claim limit or contribution cap (see your Table of Cover for details).
Please Note: Many of the above benefits are provided as a contribution towards the cost of services. Terms and conditions apply. Please check your Irish Life Health Table of Cover and Membership Handbook for more information and your exact cover
Ready to Get Covered?
Ready to sort your health insurance, get a quote and buy health insurance online today at www.its4women.ie
Irish Life Health dac is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.