Róisín Shortall
Question:111 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the population which does not hold a medical insurance policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2180/00]
Written Answers. - Medical Insurance.
All persons ordinarily resident in Ireland are entitled to treatment in public hospitals, subject to modest statutory charges from which medical card holders and certain other groups are exempt. In addition, it is open to individuals to obtain voluntary private medical insurance cover which covers treatment in private beds in public hospitals and in private hospitals. It is estimated that 58% of the population do not have private medical insurance.