Health insurance businesses have advised consumers to surf the net so they can get the best deals on their policies this year.

Experts have revealed that health protection premiums are increasing again this year but it is still worthwhile checking out a new online service which could reduce customer’s bills.

The Health Insurance Authority regulates private health insurance and offers consumers a user-friendly service on its website. It guides individuals through policies and helps them find information on the cheapest ones.

The watchdog urges people to log on and see if their current plan suits them and it estimates that a family could end up saving £360 a year by making a switch. It also added that it is possible to switch insurer without a penalty fee.

The advice comes after one insurer has announced that they will be increasing their premiums by an average of 8% across their core A-E plans and Lifestages plans on the 1st of February 2010.