Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have cancelled or not renewed their private health insurance in the past year; if an assessment is being done of the implications of this for the public health care system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25963/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) recently announced the findings of a national survey of the private health insurance market in Ireland. The survey includes an analysis of the effects of the recession on the attitudes and behaviour of consumers of private health insurance.

In addition to its survey, statistics recently published by the HIA show that the size of the health insurance market peaked with 2.3 million customers at the end of 2008 and declined to 2.25 million by the end of March 2010. In the 15 month period between the end of December 2008 and the end of March 2010, the market decreased by just over 50,000 customers. This represents a decrease of just 2.3% over that period, meaning that private health insurance coverage remains high overall, with over 50% of the population retaining cover. In its announcement regarding the findings of the survey, the HIA stated that continuing demand for health insurance is illustrated by the fact that: - Satisfaction levels with health insurance are high across a range of areas. 93% are satisfied overall. - Consumers typically view health insurance as a necessity rather than a luxury. - It is the second most valued employee benefit after a pension. - 41% of those without health insurance say they are likely to purchase it.

Persons resident in the State, even those who hold private health insurance cover, also have eligibility for certain health and social care benefits under the public health system. The HIA's research has found that those who have cancelled or not renewed their private health insurance cover are more likely to be younger and less likely to have a significant need to make a claim against their policy. Therefore, a decrease of just 50,000 mainly younger, healthier people over the fifteen month period since December 2008 is a relatively small figure which it is not considered will have a major impact on the public health service.

Given the effects of the current economic situation, it is inevitable that there would be some impact on the numbers insured. However, given the findings of the HIA's survey, it is clear that those who hold such insurance will continue to hold it for so long as is possible. In that regard, it is considered that the numbers insured will continue at a high level going forward.