Source: Radio Netherlands and NIS News
A Dutch insurance firm plans to offer special healthcare policies for gay and lesbian clients. A spokesperson for the Agis company said the policy had been worked out in co-operation with the COC Dutch gay rights group, and will be available from the beginning of 2008.
"There will be pink elements in the health policy," said COC chairman Frank van Dalen in De Telegraaf yesterday. "You could think for example of a list of homo-friendly hospitals and healthcare institutions."
COC will carry out a poll with Agis intended to reveal what other healthcare needs are felt, and package drawn up next year based on this. There will also be special attention for HIV and Aids patients.
All Dutch residents are expected to choose a private insurance company to cover both the obligatory basic package of health insurance and any extra medical care an individual may want to have covered.
In an effort to attract clients, insurance companies in The Netherlands are constantly coming up with targeted policies - and now Agis is blazing a trail as the first company to target the 'pink euro'.
The Schorer Foundation offers advice and information to gays lesbians and transsexuals here in the Netherlands. Its Social Services director, Dawn Betteridge, is very much in favour of the policies.
"Options are always a good idea, different people, different needs. And however we can highlight whatever specifically plays a role for gay and lesbian people the better."
One of the problems that gay and lesbian patients often face in the healthcare system is the assumption that they are heterosexual. In this respect, says Betteridge, the new policy will have an important educational effect.
Full article: Gay health insurance launched in the Netherlands - Radio Netherlands Worldwide - English
NIS News Bulletin: Special Health Insurance Policy for Homosexuals
Last modified: 23 Nov 07 09:09