Vol. 527 No. 5
39 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the VHI has sought approval for a new scheme to allow subscribers to buy insurance for general practitioner care separate from their hospital cover; his views on the proposed scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28933/00]
To date, the VHI has not sought formal approval for a new scheme to allow subscribers to buy insurance for general practitioner care separate from their hospital cover.
As stated in the White Paper on private health insurance, the Government considers that the further evolution of private health insurance should include steps to promote the position of primary care in the system. I would be pleased to receive proposals from VHI concerning such a scheme, which would be given early and full consideration with a view to enabling members fund their primary care needs on an alternative basis to the present "pay as you go" arrangements.
