VHI is to increase prices across a number of its healthcare plans.
The insurer says the average increase will be about 3 per cent and will come into effect from March 1st.
Since the turn of the New Year, private patients have been charged for occupying beds in public hospitals. That measure - introduced in the Budget - was strongly opposed by the health insurers.
VHI says this has forced them to make the changes announced today.
The most popular family plans from the company's One Plan range are set to rise by approximately 2 per cent.
Corporate plans, which can also be bought by families and individuals, have escaped any changes.
The company's Chief Executive is insisting he does recognise the enormous financial pressures facing customers, and says they'll 'continue to prioritise cost management'
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
