Health Insurance Cover

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 March 2013

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

Ceisteanna (657)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

657. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health his views on the MRI scanning system that is in place at Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, for which Voluntary Health Insurance does not have a reimbursement scheme, whereas there is a reimbursement scheme for a similar service at Sligo Hospital; if he will ask the VHI to explain the reason the scheme is in place in one hospital but not in the other hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13062/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I do not have a role in the day to day operations of any private health insurance company. The inclusion of MRfacilities in the VHI's Directory of Hospitals (and Treatment Centres) is a matter for the VHI. If a VHI customer requires an MRI scan during the course of a medically necessary stay in a participating hospital listed in the VHI's Directory of Hospitals (and Treatment Centres), and for which hospital benefit is payable, VHI will provide such benefit for eligible MRI scans, in accordance with the customer's terms of contract for their policy. MRI scans must be carried out in an Approved MRI Centre which is covered by the person's plan.