Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:376 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if health insurers will be encouraged to consider giving cover for anti-smoking therapies such as hypnotherapy. [26298/03]
Written Answers. - Health Insurance
The extent of insurance benefits to be provided by a health insurance contract is primarily a matter for the individual insurer, subject to compliance with the general regulatory framework. The White Paper on private health insurance noted that the Government expects insurers to provide, in the context of customer care initiatives, policies which would address the issue of smoking and other lifestyle factors. I would therefore be happy to urge insurers, when looking at revisions in their plans or their promotional activities, to give every consideration to how they can contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of smoking among their customers.