Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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2438. To ask the Minister for Health if there are plans in place to review the health insurance levy and to explore options for its reduction which could focus on the potential for increased affordability and accessibility for the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46125/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The health insurance stamp duty levy is subject to annual adjustment as part of the operation of the Risk Equalisation Scheme, which underpins Ireland’s community-rated private health insurance market. The Minister for Health has no current plans to undertake any further review of the levy.

Ireland’s private health insurance system is community-rated, everyone pays the same amount for the same level of health insurance coverage regardless of age, gender, or health status. The Risk Equalisation Scheme supports this principle by redistributing funds, via credits, to insurers who cover higher-risk consumers (older and sicker people). These credits are funded through a stamp duty levy on health insurance policies, as provided for under Section 125A of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999.

The stamp duty is collected by Revenue and paid into the Risk Equalisation Fund, which is administered by the Health Insurance Authority (HIA). The HIA annually reviews market data and recommends appropriate level of credits and the corresponding stamp duty rates to ensure the scheme remains sustainable and avoids a surplus or deficit. Depending on the market conditions, the stamp duty may be reduced. For example, in 2023 the stamp duty levy was reduced across several categories and in 2024 the stamp duty levy on non-advanced policies was reduced.

While there is no broader review planned at this time, the annual adjustment of credits and levies continues to be informed by market data and actuarial analysis, with the aim of maintaining affordability and accessibility for all consumers.