It has been revealed that some of nations leading health insurers are to band together to form an intelligence project designed to fight against healthcare fraud.

The project which acts as support to the Health Insurance Counter Fraud Group will attempt to minimise illegal activity by using a shared data system

The ABI director of general insurance and health Nick Starling says: “Insurers are determined to crack down on fraud across the industry. This initiative will help to reduce fraud in the health insurance sector. It is honest customers who end up paying for the dishonesty of others, which is why we are taking the issue so seriously.”

The system will allow the health industry to share and compare data with doctors and insurance providers.

Speaking on behalf of the Health Insurance Counter Fraud Group, Dr Simon Peck says: “Most of our customers and providers of healthcare services are honest but some are not. Our customers trust us to look after their money and as counter-fraud professionals that’s exactly what we do.”