Hep C and HIV patients wary of State insurance scheme

HEPATITIS C and HIV patients infected by contaminated blood products have given a guarded welcome to proposals for a State scheme to provide them with insurance and mortgage protection when commercial companies turn them down.

The Department of Health last night confirmed that the proposals are to be brought before the Cabinet by Tánaiste Mary Harney for approval “early in the new year” although this is understood to mean before the end of this month.

The package is believed to include provisions for travel insurance, life cover and mortgages, all of which have been regularly refused to carriers of the Hep C and HIV viruses because they are considered high risk customers.