asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the grave injustice being caused by the rule operated by the VHI whereby persons who are injured by an assault are not given cover and those injured in car accidents are; and if he will request the VHI to ensure that all accident cases admitted to accident and emergency services are treated and covered by the VHI.
Written Answers. - VHI Cover.
209.
I am aware that the Voluntary Health Insurance Board do not pay for medical expenses in cases where compensation is payable on foot of a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal. The approach adopted in relation to car accidents is exactly the same; the VHI do not pay for medical expenses which are recoverable from a third party.
I do not propose to require the VHI Board to provide cover for medical expenses which are properly recoupable from other sources.