Frequently Asked Questions
Section 1: Information on the Insurance Scheme
What is the Scheme?
How will it work?
Will there be a financial penalty because I have Hepatitis C and/or HIV?
Who runs the Scheme?
How do I Access the Scheme?
Who can enter?
What exactly will I be liable to pay under the Scheme?
How is eligibility for the Scheme decided?
Once I have filled in the form and sent it to the Administrator what
Can the Administrator refuse an application?
Can I appeal a decision by the Administrator?
Annual Schedule of Benefits
What is my Annual Schedule of Benefits?
Do I have to receive the Annual Schedule of Benefits?
What is the Scheme?
This Scheme will enable persons with State Acquired Hepatitis C and/or HIV to take out Life insurance as if they were not infected.How will it work?
Individuals who take out insurance under this Scheme will only pay the standard normal premium to the Insurer. The Administrator will pay any additional premiums to the insurance company and cover additional risks for persons who are deemed uninsurable.Will there be a financial penalty because I have Hepatitis C and/or HIV?
No. The Scheme will enable everyone that was infected with Hepatitis C and/or HIV, within the State by blood or blood products, to take out insurance without financial penalty - that is, standard premium rates for all, irrespective of existing health conditions.back to top
Who runs the Scheme?
An Administrator has been appointed to run the Scheme.How do I Access the Scheme?
You can gain access by filling out a form and sending it with a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport by post to the Administrator of the Scheme.You can receive a copy of the form by:
- Downloading the application form in either Microsoft Word or PDF format.
- Writing to the Administrator requesting an information pack, which includes the Application Form.
- Calling the LoCall information line 1850 211 570
- E-mailing insuranceinfo@hse.ie requesting an information pack, which includes a form.
Who can enter?
- All eligible persons who contracted Hepatitis C and/or HIV from the receipt, within the State, of blood or blood products.
- The Spouse or Partner of an eligible participant for a continuous period of not less than 3 years.
- Spouses and Partners must enter the Scheme at the same time on a joint life basis.
back to top
What exactly will I be liable to pay under the Scheme?
You will only pay the standard normal premium for your age and smoking status to the Insurer. The Administrator will pay any additional premiums to the Insurance Company.How is eligibility for the Scheme decided?
To prove your eligibility you will be asked to provide one of the following:- Health Amendment Act (HAA) 'R' Card Number
- Reference number of your Settlement from Hepatitis C & HIV Compensation Tribunal
- Copy of Determination from High Court or Hepatitis C & HIV Compensation Tribunal (Ref. No. should be included).
Once I have filled in the form and sent it to the Administrator what
- Once the Administrator has verified that you are eligible to enter the Scheme, a 'Certificate of Eligibility' and a list of all currently approved insurers will be sent to you.
- You then take the 'Certificate of Eligibility' to the Insurance Company or a Broker of your choice to arrange your Insurance Policy.
- The Insurance Company will then process your application and contact the Administrator to finalise arrangements for your policy.
- Once this has been done, your policy can be put in force and you begin to pay your standard premium payments to the Insurer.
- The Administrator will pay any additional costs attached to your policy directly to the Insurer on your behalf.
back to top
Can the Administrator refuse an application?
The Scheme Administrator may refuse an application for eligibility if:- You are deemed ineligible.
- It is not presented in the specified format.
- Information which is deemed to be reasonably required, is not provided.
Can I appeal a decision by the Administrator?
In the event of a dispute regarding the entitlements under this Scheme, an Appeals Officer will be appointed by the Minister for Health and Children who will adjudicate the dispute. The provisions of the Statutory Instrument will apply.Annual Schedule of Benefits
Each year on the anniversary date of your policy being approved by the Administrator you will receive an Annual Schedule of Benefits.back to top
What is my Annual Schedule of Benefits?
Your Annual Schedule of Benefits is a letter which the Administrator will send to you by post, setting out the revised levels of cover for Life Insurance and Mortgage Protection which may be taken out under the Scheme in that year. It will include what levels of cover you already have under the Scheme and what additional levels of cover you may take out.
Do I have to receive the Annual Schedule of Benefits?
The Administrator will automatically send out your Annual Schedule of Benefits. If you decide that you do not want to receive your annual Schedule of Benefits, you simply tick the box on the application form which you send in to certify your eligibility to participate in the Scheme.
