Insurance scheme: The Government has agreed to a proposal from the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, to establish a scheme to address the insurance difficulties experienced by people infected with Hepatitis C/HIV through the administration within the State of blood and blood products.
The Tánaiste said yesterday: "I am pleased to announce the establishment of this scheme which will provide reasonable access to the insurance market for those for whom the cost is prohibitive or cover is unavailable."
The person requiring insurance will pay the average basic premium, which an uninfected person of the same age/gender would pay, and the State will pay the additional risk premium.
In the event of the assurer deeming the person uninsurable, the State will assume cover on the life.
The scheme will cover all standard life assurance policies offered by life assurers that are authorised to transact life assurance business in Ireland and that opt to participate in the new scheme.
A scheme to cover travel insurance loadings will also be devised.
Ms Harney thanked Dr Elizabeth Kenny, chairwoman of the Consultative Council on Hepatitis C, the executive members of Positive Action, Transfusion Positive, the Irish Haemophilia Society and the Irish Kidney Association for their co-operation and assistance in devising the scheme.