The so-called risk equalisation scheme (RES), introduced in Ireland in 2003, benefits State-owned VHI the most. Level Health argues that the scheme – in its current form – is suppressing competition, limiting consumer choice, and contributing to higher private health insurance costs over time. “We’re not against risk equalisation,” Level Health chief executive Jim Dowdall told The Irish Times in an interview. “Younger people, who typically opt for lower levels of cover, might pay €900 or €1,000 for a health insurance plan. Listen | 37:31Under a risk equalisation scheme, health insurers whose customers have a higher risk profile than the market average, obtain payments from a risk equalisation fund.

Source: The Irish Times November 28, 2025 18:01 UTC