Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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216. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to instances of insurance companies refusing to issue travel insurance to persons who need to travel abroad for essential work purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18141/20]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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To date, my Department has not been made aware of instances of insurance companies refusing to issue travel insurance to persons that need to travel abroad for essential work purposes. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that I cannot comment on individual cases, and that the decision of an insurer not to provide insurance is a commercial decision based on the level of risk that the insurer is willing to take. As the Deputy will  also be aware, neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, have any influence over the pricing of insurance products, and neither can we compel any insurer operating in the Irish market to provide cover to individual consumers.  This position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive) which expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules, which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products.

Government advice recommending that non-essential travel abroad is avoided remains, with all arrivals into Ireland (including those returning in relation to trips for essential work purposes) asked to restrict their movements on arrival, with the exception of those arriving from jurisdictions on the ‘green list’ (or ‘normal precautions’ list) prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs. I understand that Insurance Ireland has said that the main providers of travel insurance will now operate subject to normal terms and conditions for policyholders travelling to ‘green list’ jurisdictions. However, it is important that consumers check with their insurance provider first before travelling to ensure they are comfortable with the level of cover they will have. In addition, it is important to note that the ‘green list’ is due to be reviewed every two weeks, so some jurisdictions may be added as well as removed in accordance with the current epidemiological situation and related public health information in each jurisdiction. As such consumers are advised to maintain regular contact with their insurers on travel insurance matters.