RTÉ news has learned that BUPA Ireland is planning to increase its premiums by 6% from March.
The increase will affect over 400,000 subscribers. It will mean a €78 increase for the Essential Plus Plan for two adults and two children.
The company is blaming the price rise on the recent decision by the Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney, to impose a 25% increase on charges for private beds in public hospitals.
The VHI is expected to consider the implications of the private bed charges later this year.
The most recent entrant to the private health insurance market, Vivas Health, said it had no plans at present to review its charges.
