VHI should be able to take on competitors

THE move to introduce equal risk to the health insurance market is a disgrace.

For 40 years the VHI has been a pampered semi-state monopoly with the Government always more than generous in sanctioning its regular demands for higher premiums.

It enjoys around 80% of the market, with over 1.56 million members. There is no reason why it should not be capable of taking on competitors if it had been effectively managed over the years, ensuring adequate hedge funds to meet all contingencies. Instead it is demanding of BUPA, Vivas and others millions of euro for the privilege of entering the Irish market.