Sir, - Recently, I have followed the on going agreements over the issue of BUPA not following community rating when offering health insurance. BUPA are attempting to charge more for health insurance to older people because they are statistically a high risk. The authorities are quite rightly objecting to BUPA's unfair business practices.
Yet, if we look at motor insurance in Ireland it is a different story. Motor insurance companies charge young drivers very large premiums. Their reasoning is that statistically young people are higher risks. Where is community rating in this insurance market and moreover what are the authorities doing? Surely, if we let motor insurance companies charge higher premiums to higher risks, we are a little hypocritical if we complain about a health insurance company doing the same.
Can anyone explain to me what the difference is, as I am only a young driver (therefore a higher risk). Yours, etc.
Ballyhendircken,
Ballycallan, Co Kilkenny.