Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
220. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that insurance providers refuse travel insurance to people with congenital heart defects even when these have been repaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32039/23]
View answer229. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Finance if he will support changes to regulations in relation to travel insurance to ensure that children who were born with congenital heart defects can obtain cover; his views as to whether he will contact a company (details supplied) who despite sponsoring charities that aid children with congenital heart defects, reject their applications for travel insurance and ask them to change their policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32408/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 229 together.
I note that both questions relate to a sensitive issue regarding access to travel insurance for individuals, including children, with congenital heart defects.
As the Deputies will appreciate, neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can intervene in the provision or pricing of insurance products, nor can we compel any insurer operating in the Irish market to provide cover to specific individuals or businesses. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance companies (the Solvency II Directive).
On a general level, my understanding is that firms will use a combination of rating factors in making their individual decisions on whether to offer cover and what terms to apply. In addition, my understanding is that different insurers do not use the same combination of factors. Accordingly, the cost and availability of cover varies across the market, and will be priced in accordance with firms’ prior claims experience.
My officials have specifically contacted Insurance Ireland, the representative body for insurance providers in this country, in relation to both questions. It has advised that consumers can speak to a financial advisor or an insurance broker who should be able to use their experience of the market to assist them in accessing cover. According to Insurance Ireland, this is a specialist type of travel cover, as pre-existing conditions are not covered under a standard travel insurance policy. I understand that a further option for consideration would be that if an individual has health insurance in place, they may be able purchase travel insurance from the same provider.
Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for members of the public, which deals with general queries in relation to insurance cover. This can be accessed by calling 01-676-1820 or emailing feedback@insuranceireland.eu. In addition, Brokers Ireland has access to a wide range of providers and products, and can provide assistance to customers who are experiencing insurance accessibility issues. Brokers Ireland can be contacted at: 01-661-3067 or at insurancequeries@brokersireland.ie.
Finally, consumers who feel they have been treated unfairly by any financial service provider, including an insurer, can make a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO is a statutory official who acts as an independent arbiter of disputes which consumers may have with their insurance company or other financial service provider. The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01-567-7000. Investigations by the FSPO are free of charge to the complainant.
