Further hikes in health insurance are on the cards because of an increase in a government tax.
Health Minister Simon Harris has appealed to insurers not to pass on the increase to consumers, but the industry says they are subsidising public care.
The health insurance levy was introduced in 2009 to help pay for lifetime community rating.
It's increased by 150% since then and currently adds as much as €403 to a premium.
And the department of health has accepted a recommendation from the Health Information Authority for a further 10% rise in 20-17.
Minister Simon Harris says increases to consumers shouldn't be automatic.
Health insurer Irish Life, which took over Glo and Aviva Health recently, is pushing up prices by an average of 6 per cent.
Managing Director Jim Dowdall says the Government is forcing them to pay for public care.
So despite the Minister's appeal it looks like across the board price hikes are on the way.
