Our Philosophy

The Authority was established as an independent regulator for the private health insurance market in Ireland. In order to fulfil this role the Authority developed its work plan to include a vision, mission and values.

The Vision of the Authority

The vision of the Authority is "to benefit the common good by facilitating a competitive health insurance market whilst preserving community rating, open enrolment and lifetime cover".

The Mission of the Authority

The mission of the Authority is to achieve the vision by:

• monitoring the health insurance market and advising the Minister (either at his or her request or on its own initiative) on matters relating to health insurance;
• monitoring the operation of the Health Insurance Acts and where appropriate, to issue enforcement notices to enforce compliance with the Acts;
• operating the Risk Equalisation Fund under the permanent Risk Equalisation Scheme, introduced with effect from January 2013;
• taking such action as it considers appropriate to increase the awareness of the public of their rights as consumers of health insurance and of health insurance services available to them;
• maintaining the "Register of Health Benefit Undertakings" and the "Register of Health Insurance Contracts".

The Values of the Authority

The Authority has adopted values to apply in its activities. The values of the Authority are to:

• maintain its independence.
• act always with impartiality and integrity.
• work in a professional and effective way.
• meet its unique challenges by being receptive to new ideas and suggestions from all sources and innovative in its approach.
• maintain transparency in all its work.
• value its people.

The Authority acknowledges the importance of its vision, mission and values in maintaining high standards and quality provision of service.