‘Health insurance fees could rise 20%’

Health insurance companies have warned of further premium hikes unless the Government amends plans to introduce controversial charges for private patients in public hospitals from January.

If the Government fails to amend the charges outlined in the Health Amendment Act 2013, insurers will be billed for costs of up to €1,000 for private in-patients who occupy public beds, compared to the current charge of €75.

Health economics lecturer at University College Cork, Brian Turner, said it could push up premiums by between 15% and 20%.