Bermuda's insurance companies are refusing to cater to Casanovas by paying out for a new wonder drug aimed at boosting people's sex lives.

The $10 Viagra pill, which cures impotence, caused a storm when it was released in Bermuda last month.

Pharmacists reported demand for the drug was "phenomenal''.

But the Island's insurance firms fear buyers may actually be bidding to boost their libido rather than cure medical problems.

Now they have opted to carry out their own research and wait for the results before deciding whether to cover the product.

Judy Panchaud-White, President of the Health Insurance Association of Bermuda, said: "The feedback from insurers is that they are taking a hardline approach.

"They have fears about the possible nature of the use of this drug and we are carrying out our own research and investigation now, through our contacts in North America.

"The determination of medical necessity can be quite difficult to obtain.

"But hopefully, we will have received all the necessary documentation suggesting what American firms are doing and that will help us formulate our own decision on whether or not to cover the pill.

"We represent all but one of the major insurance companies here and at the moment, if someone wants the pill, they simply have to pay for it themselves.'' She said research into the drug was being conducted by the association's medical claims committee.

Colonial Insurance, the only major firm not represented by the association, also said they had yet to make a decision on whether to cover the drug.

A spokesman said: "The feeling is that initially, we are not going to pay out for the pill but it is something we need to look at.

"The problem is determining whether or not somebody actually needs this treatment.

"I think it will depend on whether it's really necessary for the person to be diagnosed.'' An industry study in the US reported that half of patients picking up Viagra prescriptions were being reimbursed by insurers.

Researchers IMS America said 51 percent of the 113,134 people were repaid for buying the pill during the week ending April 17.

But 76 percent of patients are normally reimbursed for regular prescription drugs.

Most US insurers are still considering whether to add the pill to their "preferred drug lists'', which the firms will pay out for.

HEALTH HTH