Health insurance premiums have risen by 7% on average in the last six months leaving the average premium at €1,647, according to the Health Insurance Authority (HIA).
The regulator has blamed the increase on health care inflation and increases in the number and costs of claims.
Despite this, nearly 47% of the population have health insurance, up 1.3% from last year.
Just under 6,000 additional people took out health insurance in the three months to the end of June.
However, the authority is concerned that switching levels are not as high as they could be.
71% of people with health insurance have never switched and of those that have, over half have only done so once.
Among those that have chosen not to switch, the HIA said there has been a significant increase in the perception of it being complicated and difficult to switch.
There are currently 340 health insurance plans available in the market and according to the HIA, consumers can feel overwhelmed by the number of options.
It said it is aiming to reduce confusion for consumers without damaging the level of competition, including looking at the number of plans available.
It has called for all those in the market, including insurers and policymakers, to work towards the simplification and streamlining of the market.
"To consumers, we would say, if you are due to renew your health insurance, always take the time to review your current plan to ensure you're on the best plan for you," said Brian Lee, CEO of the HIA.
"We are committed to a future where the health insurance market is simpler, more competitive, and better for consumers."
Recently a number of health insurers, including Vhi and Laya announced price rises of an average of 7%, amid rising costs.
Almost two in five of those with health insurance cover said they would consider switching for either financial or benefit gains, significantly up from the 2019 levels.
Holders also said they would need a cost saving of 22% to consider switching, down from 30% in 2021 and 2019.
More than a third said they feel price increases are not appropriate or justified.
The HIA said that over a fifth of policy holders are aged over 65 and those over the age of 55 are significantly more likely to be paying substantially more for their health insurance than they may need to due to not having reviewed their policy for a long period of time.
The data comes as the HIA hosts its inaugural conference looking at the future of the sector and how it can help consumers to get the most appropriate cover.
