VHI prices to rise by an average of 9%

The surge away from private health insurance is set to increase again, after VHI announced plans to hike its prices by an average of 9% from next month.

In more bad news for already struggling families, which means some plans cost 65% more now than just 12 months ago, the major insurer said the hike is unavoidable if the “loss making” company is to survive.

VHI chief executive Declan Moran — who earns over €200,000 a year — said he is “acutely aware of the enormous financial pressures” on customers and has “endeavoured to keep the price increases as low as possible”.