Congratulations: Mayo native's company takes home top prize at national awards
James Shelly (office manager Moneysave), Ann-Marie Fergus (Broker Proposition Manager Irish Life Health), Ashley Matthews (Senior Broker development specialist Irish Life health), James Durkan (Managing Director Moneysave), Martin Mc Quillian (Moneysave Sales Manager) Aaron Gallager (Senior health advisor Moneysave), Ann-Marie Nestor (Managing Director at Irish Life Health)
Moneysave has been named Best Health Insurance Brokerage in Ireland for the fifth year in a row at the Health Insurance Awards, held recently at the Heritage Hotel in Portlaoise.
Founded 16 years ago by Straide native James Durkan, Moneysave has recorded a landmark year of growth, further cementing its position as the largest independently owned health insurance broker in the country.
In 2025, the business achieved 70% growth in new business, while gross written premium (GWP) rose by €5 million, reaching a record €43 million.
Commenting on the achievement, founder and Managing Director James Durkan said:
“We’ve had an incredible year. We doubled the size of our sales team since last January, and more people than ever are looking for trusted, expert advice in what has become a very complex health insurance market. Our role is to simplify that process and ensure customers get the best possible advice. 2/3 of the population have not changed their health insurance, so there is plenty of opportunity out there for new business"
Durkan also highlighted the pressures facing consumers due to ongoing premium increases.
“We are seeing significant price increases year on year, which is putting real strain on household finances. The private hospital sector continues to expand, which improves patient outcomes, but the added capacity increases claims. Medical inflation is currently running at around three times the rate of general inflation, and this inevitably feeds into premium costs.”
Offering advice to consumers navigating the market, Durkan added: “People should never stay on the same health insurance plan for more than three years. Always speak to your broker or insurer, outline your needs, and ensure your plan suits both your requirements and your budget.”
Despite increasing consolidation across the insurance brokerage sector, Durkan confirmed he has no plans to sell the business.
“Even after 16 years, I still have strong ambition for where Moneysave can go. I’m supported by a fantastic team, led by our Sales Manager Martin McQuillian. We recorded 170% growth in new business this January compared to last year, which shows there is a strong appetite among consumers to review and change their health insurance. As long as that momentum continues, selling is not on the agenda.”
