The Government is to establish an insurance scheme to help people infected with Hepatitis C and or HIV through the administration within the State of blood and blood products.
Under the scheme people infected will be required to pay the average basic premium which an uninfected person of the same age and sex would pay, with the State paying the additional risk premium or assuming life cover where the assuror deems the person uninsurable.
At the launch of the scheme the Tánaiste Mary Harney said: "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".
A scheme to cover travel insurance loadings will also be devised.
