§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will add osteopathic and chiropractor treatments to the list of those paid for from private medical insurance policies that are eligible for tax relief. [15467]
§ Mr. JackPrivate medical insurance relief is aimed at policies that offer types of treatment normally provided free of charge by the NHS. When the relief was introduced in 1989, the then Chief Secretary to the Treasury said in Committee: "We shall not include treatments not normally available under the National Health Service". [Official Report, Standing Committee G, 25 May 1989, c.229].
Osteopathy and chiropracty are usually provided privately, so insurance policies that indemnify the cost of these treatments are not eligible for private medical insurance relief.
I have no plans to alter the current rules regarding eligibility of polices.