MPs have passed a Bill to ensure better collection of statistics on healthcare and insurance.

The Health Insurance (Statistical Reports) Regulations Act 2010 was approved in the House of Assembly on Monday.

It means each licensed insurer must supply the Bermuda Health Council with an annual statistical report for the preceding year by August 31.

Outlining the Bill, Health Minister Walter Roban said: "As part of its mandate, the Council revamped the actuarial review process which supports the establishment of the Standard Benefit.

"Enhancement of the review process necessitates a change to the submission dates of the annual statistics."

The Bill brings the deadline forward a month from September 30 to August 31. Mr. Roban added there was also flexibility to allow the Council to make requests as and when required.

The "outdated templates" for data collection have also been redesigned and moved from the legislation. They include a template for breakdown of claims data "by claims type".

"The templates have been removed from the legislation and the Health Council will be able to collect this information in a means that best assists them," said Mr. Roban.

The Opposition welcomed the Bill. Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons said: "I think the Health Council needs all the information it can get. Unless you can get good data on this area you are really flying without a radar.

"You need good claims knowledge as to determine what your future claims might be."

Commenting on the Bill, he said: "I think this is a good thing and I support it."