Families facing €1,250 increase in private health insurance premiums

FAMILIES could face a €1,250 hike on the average health insurance plan on the back of yesterday’s budget.

Health Minister James Reilly announced plans to abolish a subsidy for private medical treatment in public hospitals.

Public hospitals cannot currently charge private patients who occupy public beds, which Dr Reilly said represents a loss of income to the hospital system and provides a significant subsidy to private insurance companies.