28/02/2012

Rate Of Health Insurance Drop-out Increases

The rate of people exiting the health insurance market has doubled in 2011 compared to the previous year, according to the Health Insurance Authority.

A total of 65,000 people opted out of their policy.

Many switched policies, naming price as the deciding factor.

Liam Sloyan, chief executive of the Health Insurance Authority (HIA), told The Irish Times: "There was a lot of inertia, but when the economic conditions changed, all our priorities changed. People can save hundreds of euro and still have a similar level of benefits. Maybe there is an excess, but that excess might be €100 per hospital visit and they might be saving hundreds of euro each year."

(GK)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 April 2014
Minister Publishes Universal Healthcare: White Paper
The Minister for Health, James Reilly, T.D. today 2 April published 'The Path to Universal Healthcare: White Paper on Universal Health Insurance'.
19 November 2015
Sinn Féin Slams Govt Health Policy
The government's health policy has been described as a "shambles" by Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams. Mr Adams said that the policy was an "abject failure", and that the Minister for Health has admitted the government's Universal Health Insurance scheme "will not work".
30 October 2008
No Medical Coverage For Quarter Of Irish Adults
More than 25% of Irish adults do not have a medical card, or private health insurance, the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office have revealed. According to the CSO, only 44% of those who responded to the latest Quarterly National Household Survey, said that they had private insurance, while 24% said they had a medical card.
17 November 2015
Government Accused Of Failing Health Service
The government has been accused of failing the health service following news that Minister for Health Leo Varadkar is to introduce Universal Health Insurance. "This Government has completely failed our health services. All across the country, health is in chaos.
25 October 2011
Universal Healthcare 'Priority', Says Survey
The majority of Irish people want a ‘universal health system’ based on need even if it means they have to pay more taxes, it has been revealed.