Insurance premiums could rise by up to 16 per cent if hundreds of people cancel their private health cover.
It follows a deal reached by government which will see private hospitals operate as public facilities during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Insurance companies are expected to announce a range of measures later, which could see rebates offered and some concessions for people who have to reduce their cover.
Dermot Goode from Total Health Cover dot ie says if there's large scale cancellations, it'll have a significant impact.
"If we see thousands of people cancelling their cover, if they're predominantly younger members, that would mean a lower or smaller base over which to spread claims, so it will lead to increases undoubtedly.
"We're expecting increases anyway from maybe 7-8% each year - those increases could be double that if we saw a lot of people being forced to cancel their private health cover."
