Reilly: Repeated health cover hikes unjustified

Aviva raising premiums by up to 20%, costing families an extra €700

Private health insurers cannot justify repeatedly hiking prices at the expense of people who can no longer afford the potentially life-saving cover, Health Minister Dr James Reilly has warned.

He made the claim after Aviva health insurance said it is raising premiums by an average of 12.7% from March 23 — with some policies increasing by 20%.