Three health insurance firms to pass stamp duty rise on to customers

Three of Ireland's health insurance companies say they will be forced to increase premiums next year.

Aviva, Laya Healthcare and GloHealth say it is impossible to absorb the increased stamp duty announced yesterday.

The increases announced yesterday will force insurers to pay €49 extra a year for most adult customers.

The country's largest insurer VHI, which will receive most of the extra money, as it has the largest number of older customers, has welcomed the changes.