The Health Minister says he doesn't believe the price hikes at health insurers Laya Healthcare and GloHealth are justified.
James Reilly says he's very disappointed that both companies have raised their rates by the extent announced this week.
He's urged both companies to work to keep the cost of private health insurance down.
LAYA Healthcare last night announced a 20 per cent hike in its premiums – while GloHealth said its prices will go up by €49 per adult and €14 per child.
James Reilly has criticised the rate increases this morning saying he's “very disappointed” and that he doesn't believe they are justified.
The announcements by LAYA and GloHealth follow an average 3 per cent increase announced by VHI on Wednesday
However, the Health Minister has praised VHI for keeping its increase low.
He's now urging all private insurers to work with Pat McLoughlin – who was appointed by the Government to advise insurers how to keep costs low.
The Minister has also denied that the new charge on private patients using public beds is behind the price hikes – he says that will only raise €30 million – and not 120 million as claimed by the insurers.
