Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

2108. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department has conducted an impact assessment of the latest increases in private health insurance premiums, particularly in view of the concurrent launch of so-called "cheaper" plans which reportedly restrict access to many public and private hospitals and may offer diminished coverage: if she is satisfied that sufficient regulatory oversight exists to prevent consumers from being misled by plans that appear affordable in premium terms but are materially inferior in protection; and the discussions her Department or the Insurance Authority have held with insurers in relation to pricing transparency, benefit structures and consumer safeguards. [44722/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am responsible for the legal framework governing the health insurance market in Ireland. This is a voluntary market that operates under the principles of community rating, open enrolment, lifetime cover and minimum benefit.

Minimum benefit means that all health insurance contracts must provide a certain minimum level of cover for inpatient and outpatient hospital treatment. This approach is designed to be equitable and fair, by ensuring that all consumers obtain an appropriate minimum level of health insurance cover regardless of what plan they purchase. The Health Insurance Act, 1994 (Minimum Benefit) Regulations 1996, require insurers to offer a minimum benefit to customers in every insurance policy. A health insurer is free to provide additional benefits outside of the minimum benefits. Insurers may also exclude certain services and providers in their policies, provided they remain in compliance with the Minimum Benefit Regulations.

Decisions taken by health insurers as to the services and providers covered by individual plans are taken on the basis of commercial decision-making. It is important to note that I have no role in the commercial decisions or operational arrangements of private health insurance providers. These are matters for the insurers themselves, operating within the regulatory framework overseen by the Health Insurance Authority (HIA).

Patients are advised to check with their health insurance provider in advance of treatment to confirm the extent of their cover for the proposed treatment. This ensures clarity on any potential out-of-pocket expenses and helps avoid delays in claims processing.

The HIA provides a www.hia.ie/health-insurance-comparison which gives an overview of the features and benefits of all private health insurance plans available in Ireland. The recently updated Comparison Tool allows individuals to prioritise the coverage categories which are most important to then when comparing plans, and helps individuals decide which health insurance plan is best for their health needs and budget. HIA also publishes regular bulletins to help consumers make informed decisions.