David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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1030. To ask the Minister for Health the criteria used for deciding which health insurance policies are recognised for the purpose of gaining an exemption from premium loading under the lifetime community rating system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37625/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There are no criteria for deciding between health insurance policies for the purpose of gaining an exemption from premium loadings - the application of loadings is mandatory and applies to the premium of anyone aged 35 and over taking out health insurance for the first time.

Our health insurance system is voluntary and community-rated, which means that people who are old or sick do not have to pay more for health insurance than the young and healthy. The introduction of Lifetime Community Rating in May 2015 has successfully encouraged young people to join the private health insurance market at an earlier age, and thus avoid late entry loadings of 2% per annum which may apply at age 35 onwards.

Further detailed information on the operation of Lifetime Community Rating is available on the website of the Health Insurance Authority, the independent regulator of the health insurance market, at