Aviva Insurance Ireland’s CEO, Declan O’Rourke, has been named Business Person of the Month for April. The accolade comes after Aviva declared their reentry into the Irish private health insurance market, a move taken eight years after their initial withdrawal. In this endeavour, Aviva intends to establish a new venture alongside an executive team that includes both the company’s ex-leader, Jim Dowdall, and Oliver Tattan, who was previously at the helm of state-run VHI.
The second half of 2024 is expected to mark the beginning of this collaborative venture trading health insurance products, subject to the approval of the regulators. The return of Aviva to the market was received positively, particularly by brokers, as it spells potential benefits for customers both in terms of cost and innovative approaches to products and services.
At this point in time, the Irish health insurance marketplace hosts three competitors – VHI, Laya Healthcare (a subsidiary of French insurer Axa) and Irish Life Health.
In addition to being the Chief Executive of Aviva Insurance Ireland, O’Rourke declared his full support for the creation of an innovative and promising health insurance business in Ireland. His statement during the declaration resonated with optimism for Irish consumers; the increased competition and diversification would surely usher in superior choices and value. He also emphasized Aviva’s commitment towards consolidating its footprint in Ireland as a preeminent financial services provider, with its expansion into general, life and health insurance.