The Presbyterian Health Insurance Society

The Presbyterian Health Insurance Society was established in 1912 under the National Insurance Act that set up the first contributory system of insurance against illness and unemployment.  Access to the Scheme was through approved Societies who collected the contributions and provided the day-to-day administration. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland set up its own Insurance Society and by 1923 had a membership of over 30,000.

It all started in March 1912 when a meeting was held in the Assembly Hall in Church House to form a Society, adopt rules, appoint trustees and other office bearers and to take steps to obtain approval of the Society from the National Insurance Commissioners. On the platform was Sir William Crawford, the Rev Dr McIlveen and Mr John Sinclair.  The whole issue of National Insurance had been under the consideration of various committees of the Presbyterian Church prior to this meeting.  Opinions were obtained from members of congregations which indicated that to safeguard their interests there should be a Society formed that would be under the management of their own members.  A circular was prepared setting out the proposal and a form of application to be used by those interested in in joining the Society.  Over 50,000 copies of the circular were sent to congregations. It was decided early on that the Society was not to be exclusively for members of congregations within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.  The Covenanters, for example, had requested to join the Society.  It was agreed that trustees should be appointed along with a Treasurer and a Secretary and a committee of management who should be members of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

The committee of management included Major Hall Thompson, Belfast, the Rev W J Lowe, the Rev John Stewart, the Rev WG Strahan, the Rev J A H Irwin, William Clow JP of Portadown and Henry Hanna KC.  John Sinclair was appointed treasurer and the Rev Dr McIlveen Hon Secretary. Among the trustees were Sir William Crawford JP of Belfast, John Mooney JP of Dublin, Robert Thompson, MP of Belfast, H T Barrie MP of Coleraine, John Sinclair of Belfast and John R Hastings of Londonderry.

Rest Home Portrush

One of the great successes of the Society was the setting up in April 1922 of the Health Insurance Rest Home in the tonic seaside air of Portrush.

Opened by Mrs John Sinclair It was situated at Metropole Corner in what was formerly the Metropole Hotel and marked a new departure in health insurance treatment. Planned and accomplished by gentlemen of remarkable business acumen and benevolence it was the first of its kind in Ireland and was purchased and equipped out of money which had accrued to the Society as surplus. The cost of buying the hotel, and furnishings as well as the purchase of the ground rent amounted to £8,600 with additional money spent on redecorating, installing electric lighting and central heating etc. For all who were suffering from nervous debility after illness and for all who were convalescing, the rest cure at this Home ensured or at least contributed to rapid restoration of health. For those who required just rest and a change of air it was an alternative to medicine.

Every person, male and female, on reaching insurable age and becoming employed were encouraged to become a member of the Society and to avail of the facilities of the Rest Home in Portrush which had 21 bedrooms. Travelling as well as maintenance expenses were borne by the Society. Residents could have either absolute quiet or agreeable companionship taking advantage of the comfortable and beautiful lounge or listening to a programme of music and song.

Prayers were conducted morning and evening.  Even smokers were provided for with the use of a smoke room and one could take part in a game of billiards or enjoy the various forms of entertainment in Portrush.  During July and August convalescent guests were encouraged to attend the meetings of CSSM (Children’s Special Service Mission) organised by the Rev W G Ovens and a band of college students including some from Oxford and Cambridge.

The Home in Portrush was one of the additional benefits which was open to Society members alongside payments for sickness, disablement and maternity allowances as well as hospital and nursing treatment.

Management

The Chairman of the Committee of Management from 1912-18 was Alexander McDowell, 1912-18, followed by Mr John Sinclair, 1918-22, followed by the Rt Hon S H Hall-Thompson, 1922-47.

The Hon Secretary from 1912-14 was the Rev John McIlveen who was succeeded by the Rev Dr Lowe.

The Treasurer was the Rev D D Boyle.

The Trustees included the Rt Hon H M Pollock, MP, Mr John Williamson, JP, Mr J R Hastings, DL, and Mr D Irwin, JP.