John Ellis
Question:130 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Health whether the draft regulations which he proposes to sign pursuant to the Health Insurance Act, 1994, regarding psychiatric illness will conform to EU Council Directive 92/49. [3548/96]
Written Answers. - Health Insurance Regulations.
Limerick East): Council Directive 92/49/EEC of 18 June 1992, to which the Deputy refers, concerns the co-ordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to direct insurance other than life assurance. It was introduced to complete the creation of the Single Market in the area of non-life insurance in the European Union. the Health Insurance Act, 1994 which was enacted by reference to the general good provisions of the Directive provides for the regulation of an open and competitive private health insurance market in this country. The regulations to be put in place pursuant to the Act will provide the detailed framework within which health insurers wishing to carry on business in this country must operate. The stipulation of minimum cover for psychiatric in-patient treatment is one of the elements to be contained in regulations which will set out the level of cover to be provided by insurers as a minimum in any policy they sell here. The regulations will constitute a balanced and effective basis for regulating a competitive market in private health insurance in accordance with the terms of Council Directive 92/49/EEC.