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Nine News: Edel McAllister looks back at the ten-year history of competition in the private health insurance market in this country
The High Court ruling means that BUPA will have to pay the VHI compensation because of BUPA's younger client base.
BUPA has previously said that if the High Court ruled against it, it would have to pull out of the Irish market.
The company said that the ruling could mean it would have to pay €161 million to the VHI over the next three years.
There is a stay for a number of days on payment, allowing both parties to consider the judgment.
In a statement this afternoon, the Managing Director of BUPA Ireland, Martin O'Rourke, said it was a dark day for BUPA Ireland and its customers.
Welcoming the High Court ruling, VHI Healthcare said it was an unambiguous finding that community rating is in the public interest.
