The Tánaiste and Minister for Health has said she believes that the cost of healthcare insurance cover in this country is still very reasonable despite a decision by BUPA to raise charges.
Last week BUPA announced that it is to raise the annual charge by 6% for over 400,000 subscribers from 1 March.
Speaking in Limerick this morning, Ms Harney said she knew that her decision to increase the cost of private beds in public hospitals would have an impact on the cost of insurance.
She said, however, that healthcare was expensive and was a very labour intensive business.
Ms Harney added she genuinely believed that those who were involved in healthcare insurance in Ireland got very good value for money.
