Insurers urged not to pass on rise in hospital charges

The Consumers Association is criticising the VHI's suggestion that it plans to pass on a 10% increase in hospital charges to its customers.

The country's largest private health insurer says the situation will be taken into consideration when it applies for an increase in its premiums next September.

However, the Consumers Association says the VHI and other health insurers make significant profits and can easily afford to absorb the increase.