Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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237. To ask the Minister for Health the action his Department is taking to help stop health insurance customers from cancelling policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3411/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There are currently just over 2 million people, or 44.6% of the population with private health insurance. While this has fallen from a peak of 50.9% in 2008, Ireland continues to retain a high level of population holding voluntary private health insurance.However, the figures underline the need for cost containment by insurers so that people can continue to afford health insurance.

The Government is committed to keeping health insurance affordable for as many people as possible and I have consistently urged insurers to do everything possible to keep down the cost of health insurance. In this regard, I appointed Mr. Pat McLoughlin to work with insurance companies and my Department on an independent review process to identify effective cost management strategies to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the private health insurance market. I am currently examining Phase 1 of Mr. McLoughlin's report, Review of Measures to Reduce Costs in the Private Health Insurance Market 2013, which was published on 26th December 2013. The second phase of Mr. McLoughlin’s review has commenced and will report within three months. In particular it will study further the drivers behind rising costs in the health insurance industry and seek to address them.

As Minister, I have no legal power to intervene in relation to health insurance prices set by the health insurance providers. However, many consumers can make savings on their health insurance premiums by reviewing their level of cover to ensure that their needs are being met, without being over-insured. There are numerous lower cost plans available from all four health insurers and it is quite possible for consumers to find a similar level of cover in the market for a cheaper price. The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) provides information to consumers regarding their rights and also on health insurance plans and benefits. The HIA plays an important role for customers, both in ensuring that they have accurate information, and in enforcing the implementation of the law protecting consumers in relation to health insurance. The HIA's website www.hia.ie has a useful plan comparison tool which assists in finding suitable and competitive health insurance plans.