Leitrim Councillor warns decreasing numbers of those purchasing private health cover will increase pressure on local Hospitals

A Leitrim Councillor and member of the Regional Health Forum West says the fact less people are able to afford private health insurance will increase the pressure on already over-stretched Hospitals.

The number of people buying health insurance has dropped significantly, according to the Health Insurance Authority.

Its latest market bulletin found the number of new policies bought dropped from over 13 thousand in mid-2024 to just over 7 thousand in the first three months of the year.

The cost of a health insurance premium continues to rise and now stands at nearly 2 thousand euro.

Leitrim Councillor Paddy Farrell is a member of the Regional Health Forum West.

 He says with less and less people being able to afford private cover pressure is sure to increase on public health services.