VHI dismisses claims next price hike will be 15%

HEALTH insurance giant VHI yesterday poured cold water on reports that its 1.56 million members face a 15% rise in premiums in the autumn.

The State-controlled insurer does plan a rise in premiums but said claims of an inflation-busting 15% hike were “mere speculation”.

The reports were based on a confidential dossier to Health Minister Mary Harney last year about the private health insurance industry.