District health boards are facing rises in insurance premiums far bigger than many had budgeted for.
Health Benefits Limited, the Government agency that negotiates insurance for all the boards, says they're lucky to get any insurance at all.
Southern DHB on Thursday confirmed its insurance bill will more than triple from $550,000 in the 2011/12 financial year to $1.9 million for 2012/13.
Nelson-Marlborough's bill more than doubles from $563,000 to $1.336 million.
Premiums for Lakes DHB will double, while Waikato's $556,000 premiums almost treble.
Health Benefit Limited spokesperson Mark Reynolds says rising insurance premiums should come as no surprise given the Canterbury earthquakes.
Mr Reynolds says New Zealand is considered very risky and the boards are lucky to get insurance.
