Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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401. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the practice of health insurance companies preventing policy holders from switching to another plan within that insurance company except upon renewal; his views on whether this practice hurts customers that have to adjust their cover mid-year due to life circumstances; the controls in place governing the provision of health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23338/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In general, health insurance policies are 12-month contracts. All insurers must provide a 14-day cooling-off period from the commencement of the contract, during which time people may cancel and get a full refund.

If people want to switch insurer or plan, they may do so at their next renewal date. In some cases, insurers allow policyholders to switch plans during the 12-month term. Alternatively, insurers may impose penalties if choosing to switch during the term of an existing contract.

The health insurance market in Ireland is a well regulated market and further general information and information specifically about switching is available on the website of the Health Insurance Authority atwww.hia.ie/consumer-information/cancelling-your-health-insurance-plan.