Health insurance costs have risen 41% since the new system was introduced in 2006, news agency ANP reports on Tuesday.

Of that, 18% is due to increases in the basic health insurance premium and 23% because of the introduction of an own-risk payment. That will rise €5 to €170 next year and a further €40 in 2012.
This year basic premiums are going up by around 10% but for youngsters aged 18 to 21 the increase is higher because they need to take out dental insurance for the first time.
Prior to 2006, low income households were covered by a basic government-determined policy while higher earners had to take out private health insurance.