Review to examine costs of health insurance

THERE could be good news for health insurance customers after the Minister for Health and the country’s main insurance companies agreed to address high costs in the sector.

Minister James Reilly met with the three companies last night — a week after they warned they may be forced to increase premiums by up to 50% if he abolishes, as stated in the budget, the existing subsidy for private medical treatment in public hospitals.

It was agreed that a health insurance consultative forum will be established to examine how costs in the sector can be reduced.