Private Insurers Still Owe Galway City Hospitals over €20mill
by Emma F. Smith
According to recent updates given by councillors, three Galway hospitals are waiting for a big cheque from private insurers valued at over €20 million. €19 million of that is owed to both Galway city hospitals.
The amounts are “absolutely off the charts,” says Galway City Councillor Shane Ford, after €5.7 million remains owed due to unsubmitted claims. When a patient pays privately, a hospital consultant must sign off to confirm that insurance was not used. However, the failure to complete this step has previously been blamed for contributing to the insurance provider’s debt.
“In 2023 Laya and Irish Life made a €270m profit from private health patients. If we recouped that, we could open 900 hospital beds. We wouldn’t have to introduce paid parking in Merlin Park.
“It’s an unbelievable amount to be owed,” said Mr. Ford.
This comes as the number of vacant beds in hospitals around the city is being watched closely, mostly always at maximum capacity. In 2024, University Hospital Galway ranked, at a new high, the third most overcrowded hospital, with over 10,000 patients being admitted for care without a bed.
