Switching

In general, health insurance policies are 12-month contracts. If you switch insurer or plan and later want to switch back, you may do so at your next renewal date. In some cases, insurers allow policyholders to switch plans during the 12-month term. Currently only Laya Healthcare and Irish Life Health allow their customers to switch to another of their own plans mid-term without penalty. The insurer may impose waiting periods for any extra benefits available on your new plan.

There is no penalty for switching insurers at your renewal date. If you switch insurers mid-term, the insurer may apply a cancellation fee.

Please see our section on upgrade waiting periods and cancellation charges.