Updated 08.15

VHI has announced its hiking prices across a number of healthcare plans.

The insurer says the average increase will be about 3%, and will come into effect from March 1st. VHI's most popular family plans from the One Plan range will see an increase of approximately 2%. 

VHI's Chief Executive John O'Dwyer says he recognises the enormous financial pressures facing customers, but says they have been forced to make the changes because of the new charge on private patients using public hospital beds. He says the full impact of that move isn't yet clear.

He says the company "...will continue to prioritise cost management with a view to bringing down costs for the customer while retaining quality of care, developing best practices, encouraging best possible outcomes and at the same time ensuring that there is no over utilisation."

Health analysts believe the increase will see a family of two adults and two children paying between €50 and €250 extra per year on their insurance.