VHI Response to Labour Party Health Policy Document

30th March 2000 - VHI welcomes the heightened awareness of health issues which publication of the Labour Party Policy Document on Health brings.

We welcome the recognition in the document of the added value that health insurers can provide in terms of consumer choice and competition and the provision of enhanced quality and cost effectiveness within the health system.

Following the publication of the Government White Paper on Private Health Insurance, plans are already underway for the privatisation of the company. The introduction of new products and services including e-commerce initiatives at home and abroad will create the commercial return necessary for a privatised VHI. Therefore there will be no increase in premiums related to the privatisation process.

An important issue addressed in the document is that of Primary Care and VHI is already well advanced in its planning for the introduction of a primary care product later this year.

VHI is a firm supporter of the concept of equal access to necessary healthcare for all and welcome the Labour Party acceptance that Community Rating backed by a Risk Equalisation system is a necessary part of the health insurance system.

To satisfy the growing public interest in well being and health, VHI is currently developing a comprehensive Irish Internet health portal which will contain a wide range of relevant health and lifestyle information.

VHI believes that the issue of universal health insurance as outlined in the document is a matter for policy makers.