Two of the four big health insurance companies published their premiums for 2021 on Thursday morning and the rest are expected to follow as the day continues, given that all new premiums must have been published by the end of November 12.

CZ is putting up its basic premium by €8.65 to €129.60 a month, while VGZ’s basic policy will cost €124.45 next year, up €4.50 on 2020.

Ministers said in September they expected the average rise would be around €5 a month, taking the average monthly premium to €123.

The make-up of the basic health insurance policy is determined by the government, and insurers compete on price and freedom of choice, as well as top-up policies covering treatment such as extra physiotherapy.

All the new premiums have to be published ahead of a six week window during which people can change to a new health insurance provider. Last year round one million policyholders did so.