Cecilia Keaveney
Question:355 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment whether discrimination exists in terms of the ability of diabetics to gain life insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8170/97]
Written Answers. - Insurance for Diabetics.
Assessment by life assurance companies in respect of applicants for life assurance with a diabetic condition is a matter for each individual insurance company based on its underwriting criteria and claims experience. Insurance, by its very nature, is based on the concept of risk and contingent upon any uncertain event or circumstance. In all cases, the acceptance, rejection or deferral of an application for a life assurance policy is based on the individual's insurer's assessment of the risk represented by a particular medical condition. Insurers will vary in their risk assessment of different ailments and diseases. The more prudent insurers may impose extra premiums for relatively minor medical conditions and refuse applications that other companies would more readily accept. Other insurers may specialise in insuring applicants suffering from specific medical conditions such as diabetes and forms of heart disease. There is no discrimination by insurers against diabetics, per se.