Government pledged the public will have more affordable insurance options in 2012 in the Throne Speech.

The pledge came two months after the Bermuda Health Council released a consultation paper recommending how the regulatory framework for private health insurance companies could be enhanced.

Suggestions included creating a more "robust" Standard Hospital Benefit and requiring all private insurers to provide the same basic package at the same price to everyone regardless of age or pre-existing condition.

In yesterday's Throne Speech Governor Sir Richard Gozney stated: "Quite simply, quality care must be affordable.

"2011 will see changes in regulatory requirements for health insurers and by 2012 more affordable insurance options will be available to the public.

"With that reform, and to promote dignity in health care, the Health Council will reform the minimum health insurance benefit to ensure it is a 21st century package for our people."

Currently private health insurers provide 51 percent of health care coverage on the Island.

Earlier this year Jennifer Attride-Stirling, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Health Council, said: "Everyone should have access to basic health care and that is widely accepted by most providers and insurers. We would like to see primary care, such as doctors' visits, added to basic health coverage. Basic health coverage should protect your health and maintain your health.

"We would like to mandate this and require all private companies to offer the same package at the same price."

In September Dr. Attride-Stirling said details on what the basic plan would entail had yet to be ironed out. Yesterday she was overseas on a business trip and said she unable to provide an update.