The VHI has denied a report that some of the largest private hospitals in the State are pulling out of the full-cover scheme operated by the company. A spokeswoman said negotiations with private hospitals were "ongoing" and the process would not be completed until the end of February.
If those hospitals withdrew from the scheme, VHI subscribers would have to settle their bills directly with hospitals and be reimbursed later by the company. At present the VHI settles bills directly with the hospital.
The spokeswoman said several hospitals had already agreed an annual full-cover contract with the VHI. She said other hospitals were "considering final offers" at present. However, no private hospital had "decided to pull out" as reported in a newspaper yesterday.