How did such a market develop?

Older people will be particularly affected by VHI’s health insurance premium increases as most of them are with the country’s biggest insurance provider, writes Claire O’Sullivan

IF ANGER was the predominant feeling of the Irish people last year, VHI’s new year announcement that they plan to introduce premium increases of up to 45% has struck the fear of God into many people — especially older people.

Age Action Ireland has said the increases “of between 21% and 45% on Plans B, C, D, and E options will inevitably put the cost of private health insurance beyond the reach of many older people”.