VHI: Insurance premiums could rise by up to 45%

The VHI is warning the Government that its health insurance premiums could rise by as much as 45% next year unless the company is allowed to phase in new charges proposed by the Health Minister.

According to the Irish Times, the State-owned insurer said that Heath Minister Dr James Reilly's plans to charge private patients for using public hospital beds will add more than €200m to the cost of its claims.