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VHI WILL INCREASE the price of its health insurance plans by an average of 7% from 1 March, the company has announced.
It said the price increase is “necessary” to meet the healthcare needs of its members as claims volumes rose by more than 20% last year and that inflation has had a “significant impact” on the cost of delivering healthcare.
Last year, there was was over 630,000 healthcare interactions with VHI’s health and wellbeing services, including access to VHI doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals. The company said this represents a 21% increase in usage on the previous year.
VHI said the rapid return to full activity in hospitals post-Covid, combined with the impact of pent-up demand for services deferred during Covid, has contributed to the escalation in claims volumes and costs.
In addition, it said “advances in drugs, procedures and other medical innovations and technologies, supporting enhanced healthcare outcomes, have also impacted on the cost of providing care to members”.
“This unprecedented demand for healthcare from our members has led to a rapid increase in claims volumes and associated costs. We are taking the difficult steps required to address this matter,” VHI Insurance DAC managing director Aaron Keogh said.
“We have implemented a broad range of value and efficiency measures within the business as part of these efforts, however, the scale of the increase in healthcare services accessed by our members means that this price increase is necessary,” Keogh said.
Keogh said VHI is “conscious of the financial pressures facing many of our members” and said the company is committed to delivering value by giving them access to high quality healthcare at the lowest possible prices.
In a separate statement, the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) – which regulates the health insurance sector – said that the trend of insurers increasing prices since the pandemic is part of a global pattern.
“We always encourage consumers to review their policy each year at their renewal date to ensure that their policy fits their health needs and budget,” HIA CEO Ray Dolan said.
“Consumers can use the free comparison tool on our website, hia.ie, to find the best policy for their needs.”
Health insurance expert Dermot Goode of Total Health Cover said the hike will add €105 per adult for those insured on VHI’s Enhanced Care 350 scheme, or between €230 and €315 per adult for those insured on its Health Plus Extra and Premium Care schemes.
“For a retired couple on dated plans such as Health Plus Extra (old Plan B Options), the increase since March 2023 will cost them just under €900,” Goode said.
“For the same couple insured on the gold-plated Premium Care scheme, they will have to find an additional €1,386 if they want to remain on the same plan.”
He also said that a family of two adults and two children will be “seriously impacted” by the increases.
“For those families insured on the likes of One Plus Plan or Enhanced Care 350, the total increase since March 2023 will be €504 and €440 respectively. The popular Company Plan Plus Level 1.3 corporate plan will increase by €586.”
Goode advised all those renewing on or after 1 March to “urgently review their options” with VHI and switch to an alternative insurer if necessary.
“The best advice is to decide on your budget for your family health cover and then challenge the insurers to find you similar cover that fits this. Auto-renewing without checking our alternative options should be avoided at all costs.”
Goode noted that Irish Life Health increased its price plans from 1 January, while Laya and VHI also increased the cost of around 26 of their corporate plans from the same date.
“This cycle of multiple price hikes looks set to continue 2024 as the insurers seem unable to predict with any certainty their future cost of claims.
“If we look at the 2023 trend, Laya increased their rates from April 2023 just after VHI increased their charges and we’re expecting something similar in 2024.”
Journal, would love some more coverage of the TTIP. I feel if people truly understood the extent of it and the parties in favor we just MIGHT have a different Dail next time around.
Frack off.
hi Robert, hows thing in fg ?
I’m right of centre, there’s no party for me in Ireland mate.
lobsided is that what you mean? your a die hard fg’er
don’t bother with the denials
Or NAMA. No commenting allowed on that article funnily enough.
There are so many horrific articles in TTIP that there’d be a disconnect with the majority of citizens. I almost feel it myself.
Mainly because it beggars belief that there are groups of international highly organised elites who believe that their demands are justified and somehow not entirely insane.
A die hard? OK then……I was a PD supporter before they disappeared. FF and FG are not right of centre parties. They’re budget deficit, high tax and spend parties.
What about Renua Rob?
Not into the Church myself and am pro choice.
yea right, set up a committee
Agreed Iurach. Censorship on the important stuff like NAMA. Crazy stuff and nobody really questions why the documentary was aired AFTER the election and tgr Slab trial was the very DAY of the election. It’s really time for people to wake up out of their collective coma
@Mr Magoo, the BBC kept it a secret, they only announced the show was to air hours before hand, i assume this was to prevent legal interference with the show that would mean it couldnt be shown.
Go away
Not you – Cousins
How about NO, Rashers? How very left wing of you, wishing to close discussions with anyone who doesn’t share your woolly views.
Rashers isn’t left wing Robert, how very dare you!!
I distinctly recall you posting a LOT in the last year about how you would be voting FF Robert and how others should too..
FF?! I said I’d be voting FG Brendan. But I’ve no party loyalty, I voted FF/PD in previous elections for instance. Who’s best for the economy, that’s who I go for. But we actually have very poor choices here as we have no right of centre parties. We just variants around the same centre left theme of budget deficit spending, borrowing billions to maintain high spending and no reforms of the PS or the welfare system.
Honestly I could have sworn that was you, but it may have been someone else, if I’m wrong I apologise.
You only had to ask! :-D
Mr Magoo, come one now. The Slab Murphy trial date is not some grand conspiracy. The only thing sinister about it were his SF bodyguards ‘just following orders’ by photographing journalists and their cars as well as trying to keep them trapped in the car.
And I severely doubt the BBC wait till after the election to air that documentary. Ever think they don’t really give a f*ck about the Irish General election?
No worries, I’m sure we all look the same to you!
Is that what happened Peter? They were photographing journalists and trying to intimidate them?
Magoo it’s time to get over the victim complex. Slab Murphy is exactly where he belongs and hopefully Lowry will follow him soon. It would have been far more beneficial to the government if he had been sentenced a few days before or even a week before the election, the column inches it would have generated would have been far more damaging to SF than having him sentenced on the day of voting.
Did you ever once stop and think that maybe SF should shoulder some of the responsibility for the bad press they get?
Sorry I’m late. here you go. http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2015/march/tradoc_153263.pdf
Is it true that you can get 10 onion rings in Burger King for Two Euro?
luke I gave you a green thumb regardless of the onion rings in bk
Or you could just buy a jar of Krisp’n'dry for €1 and drink a quarter of it from the neck.
The last count puts Willie two votes ahead of his nearest rival, and in place for a seat. Why do you say he is the next to be eliminated? I know there is a recount this morning, but you are jumping the gun a bit!
Yep, shoddy analysis from Sinead. If Bannon gets eliminated, you’d imagine his 7000 transfers are more likely to elect Penrose than the Shinner.
Yes, Willie went from 19 behind to 2 ahead through the distribution of 71 surplus from Boxer. Willie might have more chance than Aodhan of getting in.
Peter, Penrose is in last place currently. Unfortunately his transfers will elect the 2 fg guys…even bannon despite him cheating and stealing leaflets.
Nope, Bannon is by 2 votes, that’s why he was the one granted the recount
??????
Willie Penrose is 2 ahead with a recount going ahead.
I think it’s funny seeing Alan Kelly arriving to support O’Riordain …when Alan Kelly was one of the ringleaders who caused Labour to become so transfer toxic in the first place.
For the health of the nation, let us hope that O’Riordain is consigned to the political abyss. The only problem is that he’ll go back to polluting young people’s minds in his role as a school principle.
Willie has all-but conceded himself, so it’s an interesting one. Not ruling him out totally yet.
“The Shinner”, you sound like a black and tan in 1920.
Ellis hard as it is to believe he was actually a good head teacher. It’s a pity he didn’t stick to it.
TTIP is not allowed to be mentioned here or anywhere else in the inm class
It’s been mentioned plenty of times on the Journal you clown.
how do fg meps want to vote on TTIP? Robert.
or is that confidential
I don’t know about the mep’s but Edna has said he is for it. All FG in Dublin bay north are for it. SD in Dublin bay north is against. No one else bothered their hole calling.
Anyone know where all the government trolls are gone ? did their paId employment end ?
I have been waiting for powerabbey to pop up to ?
Powerabbey
Jan 28th 2016, 1:44 PM # 92 4
Matt – you can be assured that Paudie Coffey will be returned to government.
Can i just say to powerabbey , the people of Waterford gave this scroat his marching orders along with Conway , Unfortunately a lot of those same people then gave their votes to FF , But one SF and one IA member were elected as well . and in addition can i just add HA HA HA
Matt did you just say “CAN I JUST SAAAAY!”
Jesus wept i bloody did didn’t i , That shrew has me brainwashed lol
@Matt Black,
No sign of Diarmuid either.
so what your saying is neither ff or fg can form a gov without each other?
another ge please
Why not all parties go into talks on reform first Ciaran? If we still need another GE after that so be it. Nothing lost.
Still going?
If only we had, I don’t know, some electronic voting machines or something…?
You’re famous Bogger!!! They just quoted you in the article. Quick everyone say something witty!!
dick!
Whatever you’re into Ciaran, you’re free now to follow your passions.
ff looking good for you now?
Let’s just say I’m interested to see where all this leads…..
micheal will be Taoiseach, are fg the new labour?
Alan Kelly there to support Aoghan O’Riordain? He wasn’t very supportive of his colleagues when he was celebrating like an arsehole despite being director of elections of Labour’s worst ever election.
Some Director of Elections, did more than anyone to turn voters against his party. His gung ho arrogant attitude turned people off and was a major contributor to citizens having a big dislike for the Govt, even Enda Kenny would be justified in blaming him for the collapse of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail should try to keep him at the forefront of the Labour party, he’s good for everyone except his own Party.
I’m glad O’Riordain is gone, he’d have turned Ireland into a giant Calais jungle.
Anyone who considers themselves left wing or progressive and then celebrates Aodhán Ó Ríordáin losing his seat to Seán Haughey needs to have a long hard look at themselves.
@Ignoreland,
O’Riordain was just a phony.
It feels wonderful to use the word “was” with this fellow.
Does anyone know what the rules around recount are? Can people just keep requesting and requesting recounts? At what point do they say enough is enough?
Hi Beano,
They can request rechecks and it’s up the discretion of the returning officer. They can turn down requests for full recounts.
Sinead
tell that to avreil power wife of fionann sheeeeeehan good friend of hughs
oh so their not good friends? just have a common goal in fg in common or do they aspire to the same job
@Ciaran scary isn’t it there really is no free press, what they don’t directly own ouright they infiltrate with their type. Hugh has been very obviius in his sympathied all along. We need some budding entrepeneur to set up a really fair unbiased paper but I supposr thats very difficult when you don’t play ball with the golden circle.
“really fair unbiased paper”
As opposed to fg’s Indo,a biased rag about to be shut down.
either my computer says no, or there is something very fishy about this article.
contributors 0, journal 1
There also seems to be a gagging order on the NAMA revelations, barley covered in irish media, comments disabled.
what do you mean? spotlight? peter robinson, frank cushinahan? nama? Michael nnoonhan, nah just poppy talk, exchequer funds my fg
funny the thumbs just keep disappearing
Congratulations to Brid Smith on success after a pretty gruelling process. Confusion to FF!
“Dail reform” is the newest act of Fianna Fail political grooming, equivalent to slipping of a box of chocolates to an obese person that had been trying to be good. The idea is the same as eating sweets: it looks good, it tastes good, but you have that nagging feeling at the back of your mind that you starting to self-hate again, and, tragically, rip the colourful box that the nice Mr Martin has waved under your face.
The settled truth of the matter is that the key assumptions underpinning the nature of Irish social policy will remain untouched by any of the reforms proposed by Michael Martin.
Assumption 1. Health inequality in profound and fully rooted into Irish society. The two tier nature of Irish health demands that, (a) people who pay a private insurance premium will continue to have an advantage conferred upon them, over the low classes, who don’t “pay” extra. (b) The Irish medical profession has grown fat on the two tier system. They have the power (freely given by successive governments) to run down the public system, exploit its funding for training, emergency services, cancer treatment, etc, but, then, get to drive down the road in their Merc or BMW to perform elective procedures at increasingly prolific “private” facilities we all know so well, from all those radio and TV adverts.
Assumption 2. Only those with no capacity to dodge tax can be fully taxed. Ordinary, sitting duck citizens pay between forty and fifty percent of their income in taxes to pay for an ever evolving and expanding public service. Access to decent education, transport, and health are vital elements of any competitive, modern society and economy. However, the assumption is that business and especially US multi nationals cannot and will not pay a fair contribution to such services, services that those businesses and corporations depend upon. The deference we adopt to the idea that the already low tax rate of business cannot even be fully applied, is akin to national prostitution.
Assumption 3. The Irish media will continue to act slavishly on behalf of the proponents and beneficiaries of the first two assumptions. The degree to which the media here attack and undermine anyone that questions the status quo is deeply disturbing. The role Denis O’Brien enjoys, controlling and directing the disgraceful INM group, acts as a cancer, corroding the fabric of Irish public discourse. RTE, too, has been reduced to a body that will willingly pounce like an attack dog on anyone that challenging assumption 1 or 2.
No amount of grooming of the opposition in Dail Eirean will change any of this. It will, however advance the charge of Michael Martin, who’s only ambition is to get back to the glory days of overarching control of Irish society on behalf of the architects and beneficiaries of this failed republic.
I’m not a tree hugger but to see the amount of cable ties left behind from campaign posters pretty much sums up the view our political parties have of society when it’s not lining their pockets… is it any wonder the electorate f*ckin despise them?
The amount if litter left behind is disgusting alright.
YAY!!! It looks like Liebour have now lost their speaking rights in the Dáil. No more listening to cannot understand normal things iMoan
Penrose is sticking in there like a limpit on a rock. Feel for the counters
So now basically all the people who I didn’t give any preferences to in Dublin bay north are the ones who got elected….. Marvellous!!
Live Blog? Dublin bay has finished over 30mins ago!!!
You poor guys seem to be either VERY sleep deprived or you are slowly losing your minds.
locked buddy!
What’s the latest about penrose?
Squeaky bum time I’m Labour HQ. They need at least one of these seats to get those speaking rights.
slapped bum time or a reddin arse
I’m only following this for the Gifs.
More Britney?
Over the past few day’s, Ive read a reassuring comment” thats democracy ” this is used by those who advocate the status quo, “culture of lies”. I think Donald Trump may have stumbled onto a really good idea, let’s punish corruption in politics. Let’s have a democracy of accountability and let’s loose the one that gives rewards for corruption….
Let’s not bring the blowhard and BS artist, Trump, into this discussion please.
Sinead, you talk about “last two seats” in Dublin Bay North, it’s a 5 seater, three left, no?
Argh, long 72 hours! Thanks Geoff, changed now.
no more small 3 seaters please. Longford constituency??? We have enough of parish pump politics thank you very much. I think the pr-stv system is an issue due to its geographic nature. While previously I have been against a list system, I think 50% list and 50% constituency is a good way to go. That way you can vote for your local TD, but also vote on policy, so if for example you are a Social Democrat, but there is no Social Democrat near you, you can still elect one via a list.
have your say