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Private Health Insurance in Ireland: Trends and Determinants

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  • Kanika Kapur

    (University College Dublin)

Abstract

This study examines the determinants of demand for private health insurance in Ireland. Survey data commissioned by the Health Insurance Authority from 2009 to 2017 are used to estimate multivariate models of health insurance demand. The results show that older and sicker individuals are more likely to have private health insurance, suggesting that adverse selection may be an issue in the Irish market. Irish-born are found to be more likely to have private health insurance. Preferences for health insurance also play an important role in predicting the purchase of health insurance. After controlling for the role of socio-economic factors and individual preferences, annual variations in the economy are not found to affect private health insurance coverage.

Suggested Citation

  • Kanika Kapur, 2020. "Private Health Insurance in Ireland: Trends and Determinants," The Economic and Social Review, Economic and Social Studies, vol. 51(1), pages 63-92.
    • Handle: RePEc:eso:journl:v:51:y:2020:i:1:p:63-92
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    2. Gabriela Mihaela Muresan & Codruta Mare & Dan Tudor Lazar & Sorin Paul Lazar, 2023. "Can Health Insurance Improve the Happiness of the Romanian People?," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 25(64), pages 903-903, August.
    3. Walsh, Brendan & Mac Domhnaill, Ciarán & Mohan, Gretta, 2021. "Developments in healthcare information systems in Ireland and internationally," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number SUSTAT105.
    4. Peng Yang & Zhiping Chen, 2023. "Optimal Private Health Insurance Contract towards the Joint Interests of a Policyholder and an Insurer," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-28, May.
    5. Keane, Claire & Regan, Mark & Walsh, Brendan, 2021. "Failure to take-up public healthcare entitlements: Evidence from the Medical Card system in Ireland," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 281(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    private health insurance; Ireland;

    JEL classification:

    • I13 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Insurance, Public and Private

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