Levies to hike family health premiums to €2k

THE Government’s new levies on health insurance policies could push up some basic premiums for a family of four to almost €2,000, it has been claimed.

Hibernian Health says its current basic rate for a family of two adults and two children costs €1,608.

However, while the implications of the Government decision to introduce a €160 levy on every adult and another €53 levy on every child with health insurance have not yet been decided, a spokesperson for Hibernian — which has more than 120,000 customers — said an increase of up to 30% is expected for a family premium with the firm.