Simon Harris

The Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 requires insurers to disregard cancer-related medical history in certain circumstances when a person applies for mortgage protection insurance.

Those circumstances are where:

• the applicant has completed active cancer treatment for five years;
• the applicant has been in complete remission for five years;
• the application relates to mortgage protection insurance for the applicant’s principal private residence; and
• the amount of cover sought is up to €650,000, with normal underwriting applying above that threshold.

The Act is the first time such protections have been placed on a statutory footing moving away from the existing Voluntary Code of Practice.

Mr Harris said: “The signing of this Commencement Order is a major milestone in delivering statutory protections for cancer survivors across the country.

“People who have come through cancer have continued to face barriers when buying a home, switching a mortgage, or seeking security for their families, even years after their treatment had ended. From 15 October, that will change, and eligible cancer survivors will have a clear statutory right to have their cancer-related medical history disregarded when applying for mortgage protection insurance for their home.

“I am grateful to everyone who helped bring this legislation to commencement, including cancer survivors whose voices have been central to this work, the Irish Cancer Society for its longstanding advocacy, and all stakeholders who engaged constructively to help deliver this important reform. This is an important example of what can be achieved when advocacy, policymaking, and constructive stakeholder engagement come together.”

Mr Troy added: “Commencing the ‘Right to Be Forgotten’ Act cannot undo what some families have been through, including my own family. However, it can remove an unjust obstacle. It can give people a meaningful chance to plan, to build and to move forward with confidence and optimism.”