Health levy ‘forcing’ insurers to hike prices

Health insurers have claimed Health Minister James Reilly’s reform plans will “force” them to impose new 20-40% premium cover price hikes onto already cash-strapped customers.

In a lengthy cross-party health committee meeting, senior officials from VHI, Glo Health, Laya Healthcare, and Aviva Health outlined the stark situation for the public and the minister.

The officials claimed Dr Reilly’s “mishandling” of the controversial insurance levy — which will see increases of up to €65 per private insurance holder from the end of March — is forcing people out of the insurance market.