Fears rise VHI hike will force families out

FAMILIES will be priced out of private healthcare by the latest dramatic rise in VHI fees, placing greater pressure on the public health service, it was claimed last night.

Health Minister Micheál Martin's decision to sanction the 18% premium increase by the State-owned firm will make health insurance too costly for some families and elderly people, already struggling to pay for private health insurance, according to patients' representatives and opposition parties.

The VHI fee rise will come into effect on premiums renewed by its 1.5 million subscribers from September 1.