Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
180. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance if there are any processes in place to ensure that insurance providers of long-term illness cover have a robust policy on fitness to work, assessing in an open and transparent way the extent to which a particular illness impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28010/24]
View answerIt is important to clarify that neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland have the authority to dictate insurance pricing or product offerings, as these are commercial decisions made by individual companies, governed by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive). More specifically relating to your question, insurers assess Income Protection claims based on medical evidence from customers’ doctors. This assessment may also include an independent medical examination with a qualified specialist to determine if the customer meets the policy definition of being unable to work.
Insurers employ various support measures to ensure a robust and transparent assessment of a person’s capacity to work. These measures can include detailed forms, Consumer Charters, specific nominated claims assessors, health claims advisors, and nursing teams, which provide complementary support. However, the specifics of these measures can vary slightly between different insurers.
More widely, insurance reform is a key priority for the Government, demonstrated by the significant progress made under the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. The most recent Action Plan Implementation Report, published in February 2024, shows that the majority of actions are either delivered or initiated. Oversight by a Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform, chaired by the Tánaiste, underscores the importance the Government places on this initiative and I will continue to work with colleagues to ensure consumers feel the benefit of the reform agenda.
