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A striking similarity between health insurers on recent changes

In particular there is a new 40% shortfall in orthopaedic and ophthalmic operations between multiple companies

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Sat Oct 03 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, – I have been following correspondence in your letter pages about increased premiums and cuts to cover by private health insurers.

I have received my renewal pack from my health insurer.

This states that apart from increased premiums, they intend to reduce our cover for certain procedures.

In particular there is a new 40 per cent shortfall in orthopaedic and ophthalmic operations.

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I immediately looked up the Health Information Authority comparison website and called other insurers, and surprise, surprise they all have the same shortfalls.

This made me wonder if there is a cartel operated by private health insurers in spite of the HIA and other authorities banning collusion. – Yours, etc,

ALAN McCARTHY,

Dublin 6