Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 February 2024
58. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Finance what measures the Government is taking to tackle age discrimination amongst travel insurance providers; if individuals under the age of 66 can get health cover for up to 60 days; the reason individuals over the age of 66 only get health cover for up to 31 days when travelling abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8136/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he will comment on the discrimination present in travel insurance policies vis-à-vis those under 65 years of age and those over 65 years of age where the cover period - 60 days and 31 days, respectively - is dramatically different, and whether such differences are permissible under legislation and constitutionally. [8401/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 66 together.
It is important to note that neither I as Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can intervene in the provision or pricing of insurance products. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive). Consequently, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies regarding the cost of policies or what terms and conditions they apply.
Officials from my Department have engaged with Insurance Ireland on this issue. They have been informed that there is no standard approach to travel insurance and that conditions can vary between providers. Insurers are obliged to assess the risk involved as part of any application for insurance, which will be specific to the individual applicant. Furthermore, the availability of cover can depend on a number of factors including the age and the health profile of the individual insured, the activities undertaken while on holiday, and the frequency of travel for annual policies. Travel policies are very detailed and policy wordings vary significantly in term of scope of cover, exclusion limits and excesses. With this in mind, it is important for consumers to compare with other providers to ascertain if they can get a better customer-focused deal by engaging with a wide range of providers.
Finally, it may interest you to know that Insurance Ireland has detailed advice around insurance on its consumer website, www.understandinginsurance.ie. Insurance Ireland also operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be accessed at feedback@insuranceireland.eu. Likewise, Brokers Ireland provides assistance to customers who are experiencing insurance accessibility issues, and can be contacted at insurancequeries@brokersireland.ie.
