Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1150. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the reason that some health insurance companies do not cover the drug, pembro; the way that a patient can avail of it if their health provider does not cover payment of the drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27410/23]
View answerIn Ireland we have a voluntary, community rated private health insurance market.
The Government, including the Minister for Health, do not have a direct role in the day-to-day commercial decisions of any health insurer.
Consumers are advised to check their policies and contact their health insurer to ensure they understand the treatments that are available and the terms and conditions of their policies.
The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) is the statutory regulator of the private health insurance market in Ireland. Their functions include the provision of information to consumers regarding their rights and health insurance plans and benefits.
The HIA provides a free online comparison tool which allows any health insurance customer to assess what plans are currently active in the market. They also provide a customer phone line where people can call with specific queries.
As this is also an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
