VHI hits 1.5m with fifth hike in three years

MORE THAN 1.5 million VHI members will pay increased health insurance contributions from September after the company announced its planned fifth price hike in three years.

The company yesterday notified Health Minister Micheál Martin it intends to increase premiums by 3.8% for its hospital A to E plans and 2.5% for option plans.

VHI subscriptions rose by 8% last September and by 18% in 2002. The cost of cover rose 50% in the past four years and 100% in seven years.