Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Health I do not have a role in the commercial decisions of any private health insurance provider. It is important to note that private health insurance companies are free to design the products they provide, as long as they comply with the Minimum Benefit Regulations.

The Minimum Benefit Regulations ensure that all private health insurance consumers obtain an appropriate minimum level of health insurance cover regardless of what plan they purchase and that every plan available is inclusive of a minimum suite of benefits/procedures, some of which are available to the market as a whole and some of which will be applicable specifically to either men or women.

The matter that the Deputy has raised does not fall under the scope of the Minimum Benefit Regulations. Health insurance customers should ensure that they have an adequate level of cover, which is suitable for their needs and allows them to receive treatment in their preferred location.

It is also important to note that every citizen is entitled to opt to be treated under the public healthcare system, which may include the hospitals that are not covered for the treatment under a particular private health insurance policy.