Written answers

Tuesday, 27 June 2017

Photo of Josepha MadiganJosepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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411. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to review the requirement for health insurance companies to maintain records for only seven years, in view of health insurance premiums for those first applying for health insurance in later life; and the options available for those persons whose insurance has lapsed for more than seven years and who no longer have relevant records available. [30068/17]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Lifetime Community Rating (LCR) was introduced in 2015 and encourages people to take out health insurance at a younger age, thus avoiding late entry loadings of 2% per annum which may apply at age 35 and older. Previous periods of health insurance cover are taken into account in calculating the loading that may apply to individuals, whereby the level of loading is reduced by the relevant credited period(s).

Arising from the introduction of LCR, all health insurers are now required to retain records relating to health insurance contracts for no less than 20 years from the date of termination of the contract. Health insurance companies are also required to provide this information to other health insurance companies should the customer decide to switch contracts or return to private health insurance, as soon as possible and not later than 30 days after receiving a request.

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