28^th January 2026 - Vhi today announced that it will introduce an average price increase of 3% across its health insurance plans from 1^st March 2026. This adjustment is necessary to ensure that we continue to meet the healthcare needs of our members. The cost of delivering healthcare continues to rise as more people access essential healthcare services and the cost of providing those services increases. In 2025, Vhi saw private hospital claims costs rise by approximately 13% and the volume of private hospital claims increase by approximately 8% compared to 2024, reflecting the continued increase in demand and the higher cost of delivering care.

Increasing costs across the healthcare sector both in Ireland and internationally are being driven by factors such as medical inflation, an ageing population, and the introduction of new drugs, technologies, and procedures. We have seen an increase in the number of members accessing healthcare and this increased demand contributes to higher healthcare costs.

Mr Aaron Keogh, Managing Director, Vhi Insurance DAC said “Whilst the biggest contributors to overall claims costs continue to be cancer care, orthopaedic treatments, cardiac care, digestive conditions and psychiatric care, our members have access to healthcare in more ways than ever before, not only in hospitals but also through day care and ambulatory settings.”

He continued “The rising demand for healthcare and the increasing cost of delivering it mean that we must adjust our pricing accordingly. This enables us to maintain the high level of care our members expect and rely on from Vhi. We recognise that health insurance is a significant financial outlay for our members, so we will continue to provide a range of plans at different price points to suit differing needs and budgets.”

In 2025, Vhi delivered over half a million healthcare interactions through its own healthcare services, including urgent care, paediatrics, dermatology, radiology, physiotherapy, hospital at home and women’s health services. We also provided thousands of virtual consultations with GPs, physiotherapists, dieticians, and mental health professionals, ensuring convenient access to care.

Vhi is the only provider in the market that exists solely for the benefit of our members. Any profits made are reinvested to enhance Vhi members’ healthcare and services.

ENDS

Issued by:
Brighid Smyth / Niamh Walker
Vhi Group Services DAC
M: 086 8270905 / 086 608 6764
E: Brighid.smyth@vhi.ie / Niamh.walker@vhi.ie

Examples of Price Changes