VHI to seek 4.5% premium increase

The VHI is to seek a 4.5% increase in the price of its premiums.

The company’s board is to meet on Thursday to discuss the proposals, which will go ahead within 28 days if approved by the Minister for Health.

The Consumers’ Association of Ireland has said that the increase is totally unacceptable as, at three times the rate of inflation, it is making health insurance completely unaffordable.

Michael Coyle of the Association has called for the increase to be rejected due to the cost to consumers.

“Consumers are caught in a bind, they either wait on a waiting list, or have private health insurance, but this matter must be dealt with," he said.