Consumer research commissioned by the Health Insurance Authority has found people believe private health policyholders gain better access and receive a better level of healthcare.
The proportion of the population with private health insurance increased last year, after falling from 2009 to 2013.
Those with VHI Healthcare policies tend to be older, while those with policies from Aviva and Glohealth tend to be younger, according to the research conducted by MillwardBrown.
The findings show that the average number of years policyholders have been with their current private health insurance provider is 14 years.
Nearly one in four has switched their provider at some stage in the past, an increase of 4% on the 2013 study.
VHI tends to be the provider that loses out with over half of switchers originally with the provider.
Overall satisfaction levels among those with private health insurance towards their provider has increased, with over half giving a rating of at least eight out of ten.
There has also been a decrease in the proportion of those who feel that premium increases are inappropriate, or not justified by the cost of treatments or services.
The main factors that would cause policyholders to end their cover are generally financial, job loss or a pay cut.
HIA Chief Executive Don Gallagher said research shows the vast majority of people view private health insurance as a necessity not a luxury.
He also said that the ability to switch provider without penalty is an important one that consumers have.
The research involved a nationally representative sample of 1,832 face-to-face interviews conducted in late 2015.
Increase in hospital overcrowding
There has been a significant increase in hospital overcrowding with 554 patients today on trolleys in emergency departments or on wards, waiting for admission to a bed.
Two hospitals each have 50 patients waiting, they are both in Dublin, St Vincent's University Hospital and Beaumont Hospital.
Meanwhile, at University Hospital Galway there are 42 patients waiting, while University Hospital Limerick has 35 waiting.
Other hospitals under major pressure are Cork University Hospital with 34 patients; the Midland Regional Mullingar with 34 waiting; and the Midland Regional Tullamore, also with 34 waiting.
The figures are compiled by the Irish Nurses and Midwives' Organisation.
