Sun Safe campaign from Vhi aims to raise awareness of the risks of sun exposure for parkrun participants and others who exercise outdoors

Vhi surveyed people who exercise outdoors and found that:

• 80% of people have been sunburned exercising outdoors in Ireland
• Just 41% always take measures to protect their skin when exercising outdoors
• Find out more and register for parkrun at: www.parkrun.ie

25^th June 2024: Olympian David Gillick and Consultant Dermatologist Dr Rebecca Hellen today launched Vhi’s Sun Safe parkrun campaign. As presenting partner of parkrun, Vhi aims  to raise awareness of the risks of sun exposure for parkrun participants and anyone who exercises outdoors. Over the summer, Vhi will provide parkrun locations across the country with sunscreen for parkrun participants, and run an educational campaign to help people be sun safe on Vhi and parkrun social channels.

A recent Vhi survey of Irish people found that, when exercising outdoors:

• 4 in 5 people have been sunburned
• Just 4 in 10 always take measures to protect their skin
• 1 in 5 never take measures to protect their skin, increasing to almost 60% of those 65 or older

The survey found that gender and age play a role in attitudes towards sun safety too:

• Women are 11% more likely to always take measures to protect their skin (46% vs 35% of men)
• Women are more likely to consider sun protection equally as important as hydration or stretching when exercising outdoors (54% vs 42% of men)
• 18-24 year olds are the most likely age group to have been sunburned multiple times while exercising outdoors (58%), and adopt measures such as suncream (68%) and protective clothing (28%) much less than average

83% of survey participants said their attitude towards sun protection would be different if they lived in a traditionally warmer, sunnier country, highlighting that the dangers of sun exposure in Ireland are vastly underestimated. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with over 13,000 new cases diagnosed every year. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) expects annual cases to double by 2040.

Dr Rebecca Hellen, Consultant Dermatologist at Vhi said: “As a dermatologist, I diagnose and treat skin cancers on a daily basis. The results of the survey certainly reflect what I see and hear in clinic. Thankfully, there are some simple ways that we can reduce our skin cancer risk and still enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities, such as parkrun. The first step in sun protection is to avoid exposure if possible between 11am and 3pm when the levels of harmful ultraviolet light are highest. parkruns are earlier in the morning, which is ideal. The next step is to cover up with light-weight clothing and finally the last line of defence is sunscreen, which should be applied to all areas of exposed skin. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 50 that protects against UVA and UVB. Apply generously and re-apply every 2 hours or after sweating. Don’t forget to wear a hat and wear UV-protective sunglasses.”

Matt Shields, parkrun Ireland Country Manager said: “We want everyone in the parkrun community to enjoy themselves on a Saturday or Sunday morning, but the wellbeing of our participants is equally as important. This campaign from our presenting partner Vhi will be a great asset to the parkrun community, helping to show just how easy it is to be sun safe without compromising any of the enjoyment of being active outdoors.”

Vhi ambassador David Gillick said “Although my World and European medals were won at indoor championships, I spent the majority of my running career outdoors and since retiring I’m a huge advocate of parkrun as the best way to start your weekend. I have to admit though that I’m as guilty as anyone else for neglecting sun protection, assuming that the sun isn’t as dangerous in Ireland.

“Vhi’s survey shows there’s a lot of education still needed on sun safety in Ireland. It has definitely made me change my attitude, and now sun protection is as much a part of my exercise routine as a good warm-up and drinking plenty of fluids. Hopefully Vhi’s campaign will encourage other people to do the same!”

parkrun in partnership with Vhi supports local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5km runs every Saturday morning and 2km junior parkruns every Sunday. It is the biggest community-led physical activity movement in Ireland with more than 440,000 registered parkrunners. There are 151 events all over Ireland, with around 12,000 people of every age and ability taking part each week. The events are organised by around 2,000 volunteers every weekend from Bere Island to Ballina to Balbriggan. Almost 16 million kilometres have been run at parkrun Ireland events since it started here in November 2012.

To register for a parkrun near you visit www.parkrun.ie. New registrants should select their chosen event as their home location. You will then receive a personal barcode which acts as your free entry to any parkrun event worldwide.

ENDS

25,000 Women Unite for Sold-Out 2024 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon

Íde Nic Dhomhnaill from West Limerick AC leads 25,000 women to win first place at the 2024 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon with a time of 33:23

Over 25,000 women turned Dublin City purple at the sold-out Vhi Women's Mini Marathon today. The event drew women from all four corners of Ireland, for what is know as the largest all-female event of its kind in the world.

As the gun went at 12.30pm, entrants left the start line at Fitzwilliam Street Uppder to run, jog and walk the 10KM route, with many doing it for charitable causes close to their hearts.

Since the inaugural event in 1983, the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon has raised an estimated €250 million for charities across Ireland and is widely regarded as the most important single-day fundraising event in Ireland.  

The event was won by Íde Nic Dhomhnaill from West Limerick AC in a time of 33:23. 

Second to cross the line was Meghan Ryan from Dundrum South Dublin AC with a time of 34:54, followed by Maebh Richardson from Kilkenny City Harriers AC with a time of 35:02.  

Sinéad Kane from Le Chéile AC took home first place in the Elite Visually Impaired category with her time of 45:40.  

2024 saw the introduction of pacers at the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon. A team of expert pacers, sponsored by the event's Official Timing Partner, Citizen, helped to guide those aiming for a 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 minute finish time to maintain their pace throughout the race.  

The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon attracts women from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, abilities and fitness levels.  The youngest participant in this years event is just 14 years of age, while the oldest is a 93 year old, highlighting the events' broad appeal and the remarkable determination of its participants. 

Each year, approximately 20% of the particpants are first time entrants. However for a dedicated group of veterans who have competed annually, this year will commemorate their 42nd consecutive Women's Mini Marathon.  

David O'Leary, Race Director of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon expressed his congratualtions and gratitude to everyone involved. "This has been a truly magnificant day. Congratulations to all the participants of the 2024 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon - you are the essence of this event!  A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team of 900 volunteers who join us year after year and are instrumental in carrying out such a safe and well organised event." 

He went on to say " We are so grateful to the dedicated charities that support our event each year, and of course our sponsors for their invaluable involvement, in particular our title sponsor, Vhi, whose support is vital to the success of this event."  

Brian Walsh, Chief Executive, Vhi Group said:  "Vhi is very proud of our partnership with the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon which is now in its tenth year. It's a partnership that aligns so well with our purpose of helping our members to live longer, stronger, healthier lives and today's event which was sold out was a fitting way to mark a decade of collaboration. 

A huge congratulations from all at Vhi to the many thousands of women who took part today, contributing to a wonderful atmosphere on the streets of Dublin.  Whether you walked, jogged or ran, it's a superb achievement to cross the finish line of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon." 

Over the past 12 weeks, Vhi Fitness and Nutrition Brand Ambassador Nathalie Lennon, has been preparing particiants for the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon.  Nathalie has led comprehensive training plans tailored for walkers, joggers and runners, equipping thousands of women with the tools and confidence to take on the 10KM challenge.

As each participant crossed the finish line at Lower Baggot Street, they were awareded with a medal to commemorate and celebrate their achievement. 

The 2024 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon took place under perfect weather conditions, with the sun shining throughout and a light breeze, enhancing the event's festive atmosphere.  The route was lined with supporters and entertainment from our sponsors Vhi and 98FM, contributing to a sense of camaraderie and celebration.  Many participants shared inspiring stories of their journey to the event, adding a touching dimension to the day.  

A full listing of the results will be published in a special supplement in the Irish Independent on Monday, June 3. 

ENDS

Note to Editors:

Top 10 Finishers

About Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon

The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon is now in its 42^nd year. The first Women’s Mini Marathon began in Dublin in 1983 with 9,000 entrants, it has grown in popularity and the event now hosts over 25,000 women on the June bank holiday weekend. Women from across the 32 counties of Ireland, U.K. and Europe take part each year to raise vital funds for their chosen charities and causes. 

The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is a world-class sporting event and is dedicated to helping women across Ireland to achieve their fitness goals. The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has become an important part of Irish culture and a celebration for Irish women aged 14 and over. The event caters for women who wish to walk or jog for fun while also catering for competitive runners. It is not only women who have benefited from the event, but charities are also the big winners.  The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is the single biggest charity fundraising event in Ireland. An estimated €250m has been raised for charity since its beginning in 1983. All charities benefit as it is the women themselves who decide who they will support, and many local causes gain vital revenue from the event. 

22^nd April 2024 - The 2024 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon ambassadors will lace up their runners at Marlay parkrun on Saturday 27^th April as part of a Vhi hosted Wellness Day. The ambassadors are encouraging women across Ireland to attend their local parkrun and walk, jog or run the 5km route as part of their preparation for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon which takes place on June 2^nd in Dublin.

The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon ambassadors are broadcaster and Dancing with the Stars contestant Katja Mia, disability advocate and public speaker Nikki Bradley and health and fitness coach Nathalie Lennon, all of whom will be participating in the 5km Marlay parkrun route, as part of their training for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. They will also be joined by Vhi ambassador and Olympian David Gillick who will kick off this fun filled morning at 9:30am, by leading a heart pumping warm up.

Vhi, who are also proud presenting partners of parkrun Ireland, will also have a team of Vhi health experts in attendance on the morning, including a team of physiotherapists, podiatrist, women’s health doctor and a sports and exercise medicine doctor.

After finishing their parkrun, participants are invited to join #TeamVhi in the wellness tent where there will be a cool down session led by Vhi physiotherapists, advice from Vhi health experts and complimentary healthy drinks and snacks..

The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, now in its 42^nd year, will take place on Bank Holiday Sunday 2^nd June 2024 at 12.30pm. The year’s race promises to be a motivating and uplifting event and whether you participate with friends, family or by yourself, you will be part of a special community. It’s open to all those who wish to walk, jog, or run the 10km route through Dublin City Centre. 

Every participant will receive a Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon finishers medal and can opt in at registration to receive a Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon t-shirt. You can follow @VhiWMM on social media for training plans for walkers, joggers, and runners as well as nutritious recipes developed by Vhi ambassador Nathalie Lennon, and much more to support your training journey. Additionally, Vhi members can claim back their entry fee via the Vhi app!

Looking ahead to Saturday, Katja Mia said, “I can’t believe we are just over 6 weeks away from the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon! At the halfway point of our training, the Vhi Wellness Day at Marlay parkrun is great opportunity for all those training for the event, to complete a 5km. I am really looking forward to what promises to be a fun and informative morning and would love to see plenty of women who are taking part in this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, join me on the 5km route together.”

parkrun in partnership with Vhi, supports local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5km runs every Saturday morning at over 100 venues all over Ireland, with people of every age and ability taking part each week. To register for a parkrun near you visit www.parkrun.ie. New registrants should select their chosen event as their home location. You will then receive a personal barcode which acts as your free entry to any parkrun event worldwide. Vhi Members can earn Vhi parkrun Rewards on the Vhi App when they link their parkrun account to their Vhi app.

Registration for the event is now open on www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vhiwomensminimarathon

Instagram: @vhiwmm

Twitter: @VhiWMM

About Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon

The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon is now in its 42^nd year. The first Women’s Mini Marathon began in Dublin in 1983 with 9,000 entrants, it has grown in popularity and the event now hosts over 20,000 women on the June bank holiday weekend. Women from across the 32 counties of Ireland, U.K. and Europe take part each year to raise vital funds for their chosen charities and causes. 

The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is a world-class sporting event and is dedicated to helping women across Ireland to achieve their fitness goals. The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has become an important part of Irish culture and a celebration for Irish women aged 14 and over. The event caters for women who wish to walk or jog for fun while also catering for competitive runners. It is not only women who have benefited from the event, but charities are also the big winners.  The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is the single biggest charity fundraising event in Ireland. An estimated €226m has been raised for charity since its beginning in 1983. All charities benefit as it is the women themselves who decide who they will support, and many local causes gain vital revenue from the event. 

Unprecedented levels of claims volumes and continued cost pressures contribute to a financial deficit in 2023

PMI membership grew for the ninth consecutive year in 2023

April 5th, 2024: Vhi Group today announced its annual results for the financial year 2023. The Company recorded €1.68bn premium for its private health insurance business, reflective of strong growth in membership which increased by over 37,000. This is the ninth consecutive year of growth in private medical insurance (PMI) membership.

Vhi recorded €29.9m in income on Vhi’s other insurance products (2022: €27.5m), including travel, dental, life and international health insurance. In total, Vhi supported close to 1.7 million insurance members, comprising of over 1.2 million for private medical insurance and just under 480,000 for other insurance services.

In 2023, Ireland experienced a faster than anticipated recovery in demand for healthcare following years of restrictions in access and capacity associated with the pandemic. There was an unprecedented increase in the volume and cost of claims, and Vhi paid out over €1.68bn to meet the healthcare needs of its members, up 18% on 2022. The increase in demand together with high levels of medical inflation and higher labour and energy costs was not matched by a corresponding increase in premium income, resulting in a Net Deficit of €43.4m (2022: Net Surplus €34.3m).

Vhi is committed to delivering the very best in healthcare for members. It was necessary however to increase premiums in order to continue to meet the healthcare needs of members, as claims volumes and the cost of delivering healthcare increase. This premium increase followed net price reductions from 2020 to 2022 as well as return of value to members exceeding €450 million during the pandemic. Vhi is strongly capitalised with group capital reserves of €903m (2022: €949m) and a solvency capital ratio of 175% for its insurance business.

Key Financial results for Y/E 31^st December 2023

• Gross Written Premium on core Vhi health insurance business came to €1.684 bn compared to €1.606 bn in 2022
• Private Health Insurance membership grew in 2023 to 1,214,700 up from 1,177,600 in 2022
• Total Claims paid in 2023 was €1.68bn up 18% from €1.42bn in 2022
• The increase in volume and costs of claims paid was not matched by a corresponding increase in premium income and resulted in a Net Deficit of €43.4m (2022: Net Surplus of €34.3m)
• Vhi is strongly capitalised, with group capital reserves of €902.7m (€949.3m 2022)
• The solvency position of the insurance business stands at 175% at year end
• Income on other insurance products amounted to €29.9m (2022: €27.5m) with 479,565 members
• MultiTrip, Vhi’s annual travel insurance membership now stands at 354,698 members up 8.4% on the previous year.

The accelerated return to healthcare was reflected in Vhi’s own healthcare provision services which recorded a 21% increase in the volume of member healthcare interactions to over 630,000. This included urgent and planned care delivered through Vhi 360 Health Centres, Hospital@Home and digital healthcare offerings. In November, Vhi launched an Electronic Health Record System enabling Vhi clinicians to have up to date and accurate member health information at their fingertips, supporting provision of the best possible care for members. These investments are central to the delivery of coordinated, connected, and integrated care for Vhi members now and in the future. 

Commenting on the Group results for the financial year 2023 Mr. Brian Walsh, Group CEO, Vhi said “I am pleased that in 2023 Vhi supported close to 1.7 million members, meeting their needs across private medical insurance, travel, dental, international health, and life insurance.

He continued “In 2023 our members accessed significantly more healthcare than in any other year in our history and claims accelerated at a rate not experienced before. This brought challenges as Vhi experienced a financial deficit in 2023. However Vhi welcomes the fact that our health insurance members could access timely and quality healthcare. The unprecedented rise in claims volumes combined with high levels of cost inflation is being addressed through  continued focus on efficiency and value for money, aligning pricing with demand for and cost of healthcare, and continuous investment in superior healthcare and technology capability.

“Managing costs while delivering appropriate care is a challenge across global health systems. Irish healthcare is changing, with an ageing population and increasing incidence of chronic disease putting significant pressure on healthcare access and costs. If these challenges are to be addressed, it will require a change in how healthcare is delivered in Ireland. Vhi is evolving, moving beyond insurance cover to include healthcare provision. Wherever possible we want to prevent disease, improve outcomes and quality of life for our members. Vhi has invested in our own healthcare provision services to complement the care of our healthcare partners to deliver connected care for our members.

He concluded “Vhi exists solely to meet the healthcare needs of our members and all premium income received is dedicated to delivering, meeting, and investing in their healthcare needs now and in the future. We continue to grow and transform, innovating and continuously improving the care and service experience for our members. This is underpinned by our financial strength, and we are committed to delivering the very best healthcare and service for our members.”

ENDS

The 42^nd event takes place on Sunday 2^nd June, in Dublin City Centre on the June Bank Holiday weekend.

A Vhi survey on women’s walking and running habits and motivations finds:

Over three-quarters of women believe running helps them feel better when menstruating

68% of women who have given birth believe running helped with their post-birth recovery

Register now on www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie

5^th March 2024: A group of inspiring women came together today in Dublin to officially launch the 2024 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. The 10km event, now in its 42^nd year, will take place on Sunday June 2^nd at 12:30pm. Over 20,000 women are expected to participate this year and the event is open to all those who wish to walk, jog or run the 10km route through Dublin City Centre.  

Businesswoman Aimee Connolly, disability advocate and public speaker Nikki Bradley, TV presenter and model Katja Mia and health and fitness coach Nathalie Lennon are Vhi ambassadors for this year’s event. They are calling on women all around the country to join them on the 2^nd June for the largest all-female event of its kind in the world.

To mark the launch of this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, Vhi commissioned research with 500 female runners to get a better understanding of the link between women’s health issues and how they impact women’s running habits. The key findings of this research are:

Running and Menstruation

• 34% of women do not change their running behaviours when menstruating
• 43% continue to run but run less when menstruating
• 77% of women believe that running makes them feel better while menstruating, with 62% believing that running helps them manage PMS and menstrual symptoms such as cramps and fatigue
• 18% stop running altogether while menstruating, with the main reasons cited being

Fatigue (62%)

Lack of motivation (49%)

Fear of bleeding onto clothing (44%)

Feeling bloated (40%)              

Running Post-Birth

• 68% of women who have given birth believe running helped with their post-birth recovery

Running and Pelvic Floor Issues

• 61% of women are conscious of issues related to their pelvic floor while running, however 3 in 5 say these issues are not enough to deter them from running

Running and Menopause/Peri-Menopause

• 60% of women who have gone through or are going through peri-menopause or menopause still run or walk as they believe it helps overcome their symptoms
• 14% stopped running or walking as the symptoms made it harder for them to exercise

You can follow all of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon ambassadors on their 12-week journey to Race Day on June 2^nd via their social media channels below:

Aimee Connolly - @aimeeconnolly_com

Nikki Bradley - @nikki_bradley_speaks

Katja Mia - @katja_miaa

Nathalie Lennon - @nathalielennon_

Between now and June 2^nd, follow @VhiWMM on social media or visit vhiwomensminimarathon.ie for training plans for walkers, runners and jogger as well as nutritious recipes developed by Vhi ambassador Nathalie Lennon, and much more to support your training journey.

Registration for the event is now open on www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie. Every participant will receive a Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon finishers’ medal, and can opt in at registration to receive a Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon t-shirt.

Additionally Vhi members can claim back their entry fee via the Vhi app!

David O'Leary, General Manager of the Women's Mini Marathon, shared his excitement for this year's event, saying, "We're thrilled to bring the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon to Dublin’s city centre for the 42nd time. It's not just about the distance or whether you walk or run; it's about women connecting, supporting each other, and making a heartfelt difference. With over 20,000 women expected to join us in Dublin this June, we're ready to celebrate the power of togetherness and the heart-to-heart connections that make this event so special.

Brighid Smyth, Head of Corporate Communications in Vhi said, “2024 marks ten years of Vhi’s title sponsorship of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, and we are as excited about this year’s event as we were when we came on board a decade ago. The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is for every woman, and whether you’re taking part for fitness reasons, to raise money for charity or simply to feel part of something big, it’s such a powerful occasion that you will remember the event for a long time after you cross the finish line.”

Aimee Connolly, entrepreneur and Vhi Ambassador said, “It’s been a privilege to be a Vhi ambassador for the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon since 2022 and I cannot wait for this year’s event. The atmosphere at last year’s event was incredible and being part of a strong supportive community of women who walked, jogged and ran the sunny streets of Dublin is something I’ll never forget!

It's exciting to be part of a brilliant group of ambassadors for this year’s event. We’ll all be sharing our 12-week journey to race day and hopefully providing some inspiration and motivation along the way. For training plans to suit your own fitness levels, and simple, delicious recipes to fuel your journey to race day, keep an eye on Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon social media channels and website!”

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

*Research with 500 female runners of all ages conducted by 3Gem on behalf of Vhi between Friday 16^th February and Friday 23^rd February 2024.

About Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon

The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon is now in its 42^nd year. The first Women’s Mini Marathon began in Dublin in 1983 with 9,000 entrants, it has grown in popularity and the event now hosts over 20,000 women on the June bank holiday weekend. Women from across the 32 counties of Ireland, U.K. and Europe take part each year to raise vital funds for their chosen charities and causes. 

The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is a world-class sporting event and is dedicated to helping women across Ireland to achieve their fitness goals. The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has become an important part of Irish culture and a celebration for Irish women aged 14 and over. The event caters for women who wish to walk or jog for fun while also catering for competitive runners. It is not only women who have benefited from the event, but charities are also the big winners.  The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is the single biggest charity fundraising event in Ireland. An estimated €226m has been raised for charity since its beginning in 1983. All charities benefit as it is the women themselves who decide who they will support, and many local causes gain vital revenue from the event. 

• Vhi announces an average price increase of 7% across its plans effective from 1^st March 2024.
• Vhi members accessed more healthcare in 2023 – with demand for healthcare continuing to accelerate.
  
• Claims volumes up by over 20% compared with 2022.
  

30^th January 2024 - Vhi today announced that it will increase the price of its health insurance plans by an average of 7% from 1^st March 2024.  The price increase is necessary to meet the healthcare needs of members as claims volumes have risen by more than 20% in 2023 and inflation has had a significant impact on the cost of delivering healthcare. Increased demand for healthcare combined with high levels of inflation are impacting healthcare systems around the world as healthcare facilities reopen fully post Covid. 

In 2023, Vhi members accessed significantly more healthcare services than in previous years which were dominated by restricted access because of the Covid pandemic.  The rapid return to full activity in hospitals post-Covid combined with the impact of pent-up demand for services deferred during Covid has contributed to the escalation in claims volumes and costs. In addition, advances in drugs, procedures and other medical innovations and technologies, supporting enhanced healthcare outcomes, have also impacted on the cost of providing care to members.

Commenting on today’s announcement Mr Aaron Keogh, Managing Director, Vhi Insurance DAC said “2023 has been an extraordinary year marked by an accelerated growth in healthcare claims volumes stemming mainly from Covid related issues. This is driving an unprecedented increase in healthcare claims costs. Claim volumes in 2023 increased by more than 20% compared to 2022.”

He continued “This unprecedented demand for healthcare from our members has led to a rapid increase in claims volumes and associated costs. We are taking the difficult steps required to address this matter. We have implemented a broad range of value and efficiency measures within the business as part of these efforts, however, the scale of the increase in healthcare services accessed by our members means that this price increase is necessary. We are conscious of the financial pressures facing many of our members and are committed to delivering value by giving them access to high quality healthcare at the lowest possible prices.”

He continued: “Our members are now getting more healthcare treatments not only in traditional hospital settings but also through new healthcare services which we have designed, invested in, and delivered for our members in the community and online. Access and usage of our primary care services has also increased significantly and this is a positive development in the long term as we actively encourage our members to look after their health and are committed to providing them with more diverse and convenient healthcare options.”

“In the past 12 months Vhi introduced many new healthcare services for members including access to more preventative health services – helping them stay well. We know our members value these services and are using them. Last year alone there was over 630,000 healthcare interactions with Vhi’s Health and Wellbeing services including access to Vhi’s doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals. This represents a 21% increase in usage on the previous year.”

Vhi is the only provider in the market that exists solely for the benefit of its members. Any profits made are re-invested on behalf of members to provide new and enhanced services and during Covid when claims were significantly down Vhi returned €450 million in premium waivers to members.

In 2023 Vhi introduced a range of new benefits and services including a rapid access dermatology service, a sports exercise and musculoskeletal clinic, a Women's Health Clinic, a Positive Minds programme delivered by clinical psychologists and significantly increased capacity on the online health team.

ENDS

Issued by:

Brighid Smyth / Niamh Walker                               

Vhi Group Services DAC                    

M: 086 8270905 / 086 608 6764

Notes to the Editor

Examples of Price Changes

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

• 2022 Year End Annual Report - English >
• 2021 Year End Annual Report - English >
• 2020 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2019 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2018 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2017 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2016 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2015 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2014 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2013 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2012 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2011 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2010 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2009 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2008 Annual Report - year ended 28th February 2008 >

• 2008 Annual Report - 10 months to 31st December 2008 >

• 2007 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2006 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2005 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2004 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2003 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2002 Year End Annual Report - English >

• 2022 Year End Annual Report - Irish >
• 2021 Year End Annual Report - Irish >
• 2020 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2019 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2018 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2017 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2016 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2015 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2014 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2013 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2012 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2011 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2010 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2009 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2008 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2007 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2006 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2005 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2004 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2003 Year End Annual Report - Irish >

• 2002 Year End Annual Report - Irish >