Lombard calls for insurance industry reps to come before Oireachtas committee to explain potential Covid levy on premiums

A Fine Gael Senator has called for representatives from the insurance industry to come before the Oireachtas Finance Committee to explain why life assurance applicants are being asked if they have had Covid-19.

Senator Tim Lombard said that the inclusion of the question was disproportionate when other respiratory illnesses or viruses are not checked for on the same forms.

Senator Lombard said: “The insurance industry has a history of raising premiums for its own gain, and during this health crisis we are now seeing life assurance companies asking applicants about their Covid history.

“I believe the inclusion of this question is disproportionate compared to other respiratory illnesses or viruses which are not checked for on the same forms.

“The additional levy is completely unfounded at this current time when we have more to learn about the long-term effects of Covid-19.

“It is also especially harsh on frontline workers who have been instrumental in reducing the risk for the rest of the population by exposing themselves to higher risk.

“I have written to the Oireachtas Finance Committee to request that representatives from the life assurance industry come in to explain the reasoning for any potential Covid levy.”

ENDS