Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1566. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of customers who have left the private health insurance market by county; the average change in premiums over the past year and since budget 2012; the maximum increase in premiums over those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37106/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Insurance Authority (HIA) is the statutory regulator of the private health insurance market in Ireland and provides information to consumers regarding their rights and health insurance plans and benefits. As previously outlined to the Deputy in June, the HIA does not compile figures by county on the number of customers who have left the private health insurance market. In relation to the average change in premiums, the HIA has estimated that the average premium increase per customer is 10 per cent, when comparing the second quarter of 2011 to the second quarter of 2012. The HIA points out that any figures calculated for time periods of less than one year (for example, since Budget 2012) would be distorted, as this is the time of the year that insurers normally apply price changes.
While there has been a decrease in the numbers with private health insurance, by 38,913 persons this year, it is important to note that the decline in private health insurance coverage is modest to date, at less than 1.8% of the overall market in 2012. is leaves some 2.123 million, or 46.3% of the population, covered by private health insurance. Even in the current difficult financial climate, the vast majority of consumers with private health insurance are retaining some level of health insurance cover.
I would strongly advise consumers to shop around for the health insurance plan that best suits their needs. Consumers have a legal right to switch between or within insurers to get better value and to reduce their premium costs. All customers should carefully consider the full range of plans and levels of cover available within the market, so that their own needs are fully met. Where customers wish to switch products, the relevant health insurance legislation ensures that switching is as easy and seamless as possible for customers. In addition to the choices available to consumers in the health insurance market, the Government's clear objective is for the health insurance market to remain as competitive and affordable as possible, as we move towards a new system of Universal Health Insurance.
