HIA set to move to new headquarters in Dublin

The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) will be moving to a new headquarters in the Dublin 6 area, this newspaper understands.

The Medical Independent has learned that the HIA is expected to shortly move from its current location at Canal House, Canal Road, Dublin 6.

This newspaper understands that the HIA signed a 10-year lease for Canal House in 2012, but that the Authority and the Canal House building owner have now come to an agreement to terminate the lease early. The building is expected to be sold.

The HIA’s new headquarters will be in offices close to their current location in Dublin 6, it is understood.

A spokesperson said that the Authority would not be making a comment on the issue.

In early August, the HIA published its annual report, which showed further growth in the private insurance market.

“The private health insurance market has continued to grow, with the number of insured rising to 2.22 million at the end of 2018,” said HIA CEO Mr Don Gallagher on the publication of the annual report.

 This increase in demand year-on-year reflects the ongoing market stability and Ireland’s growing economy. It also further reinforces what our own independent research shows, that consumers continue to value private health insurance and have a strong desire to have some form of coverage.”

 Mr Gallagher added that the “market as a whole continues to age as a result of population demographics and market penetration rates that vary by age”. 

“Insurers continue to adjust individual product benefits and prices and adding new services and features so that the complexity of the market for consumers remains high.

“That is why it is extremely important that consumers are proactive in reviewing their policy benefits at renewal and the Health Insurance Authority continues to provide its website Comparison Tool and dedicated consumer helpline as significant aids to consumers.”