MINISTER JAMES REILLY has started a campaign to control the costs of health insurance this week with the appointment of an independent expert to chair a forum of providers.

The Fine Gael TD has voiced his disappointment at rising premium prices in recent weeks but insurers insist they have been forced into the increases because of higher charges for public hospital beds and a government levy.

Regardless of where the expenses originate, the customer has experienced annual hikes in their payments, to the point where many have reduced their cover or cancelled it entirely. Last month, figures from the Health Insurance Authority showed the percentage of the population with cover fell to 45.3 per cent.

Today, we ask about your own experiences. Have you given up your health insurance in recent years?

Poll Results:

I never had it (2180)

I still have it (1928)

I have reduced my cover (1563)

Yes, I gave it up since the downturn (960)

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