An Overview of Wellness on the Emerald Isle
Ireland is a popular destination for expats. The lush green countryside, friendly locals, and warm pub get-togethers appeal to people from all walks of life. Aside from these enjoyable aspects of the country, Ireland’s healthcare system is another benefit of moving to the Emerald Isle.
The Global Health Security Index ranked the Irish healthcare system as 31st out of 195 countries. The public system is affordable and available to anyone planning to stay in the country for at least one year.
While nearly every resident can use the public system, there are some exceptions.
Students or retirees moving to Ireland must show proof of private insurance as part of their visa application, even though they may be eligible to use the public system once they’ve arrived. However, the public system suffers from long wait times and can get crowded.
For these reasons, many immigrants rely on international health insurance plans. These plans cover your medical needs both within and outside Ireland.
With private plans, you can choose your own doctor, experience shorter wait times, and stay in more comfortable hospital rooms.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
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Ireland’s Healthcare System Pros & Cons
The Irish healthcare system has its advantages and disadvantages. High-quality care is available in both public and private facilities for all residents and visitors.
However, long wait times and overcrowded hospitals have led to a high reliance on private insurance.
Pros of Ireland’s Healthcare System
Public healthcare in Ireland is widespread, of high quality, and accessible to everyone. There is no waiting period for new residents to be eligible to use the system.
The public system is completely free for about 30% of the population. For everyone else, the government subsidizes costs to keep healthcare affordable.
Cons of Ireland’s Healthcare System
The public system routinely faces criticism for understaffing, long wait times, and overcrowded hospitals. To combat these issues, 47% of the population opts to purchase private insurance plans — a higher percentage than in any other European country.
Individuals with private health insurance can receive care more quickly, particularly for elective procedures. It also allows people to select their own specialists. In the public system, you typically see the first available doctor.
Challenges of Ireland’s Healthcare System
Approximately half of the people in Ireland can access medical treatment more quickly because they have private insurance. This has caused some people to feel that there is inequality in the healthcare system.
Since 2017, the country has been working to overhaul its healthcare system. The government aims for the entire system to be free, based on patients’ needs and not their financial situation. This new healthcare plan, called “Sláintecare,” is expected to be implemented by 2030.
The government aims to reduce waiting lists and expand hospital capacity. To do this, they are recruiting medical staff from the private system to work in public clinics through pay incentives. The state also intends to take back public hospital beds from private insurers.
Lastly, the country is working to improve its digital health policies to share data and treat patients more effectively.
Does Ireland Have Universal Healthcare?
Yes, but it isn’t free for everyone. The Irish healthcare system is two-tiered and administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Anyone residing in Ireland is eligible to use the public healthcare system. This includes foreigners who have obtained the right to live or work in the country for at least one year.
The Irish healthcare system has two different levels. For about 30% of the population, healthcare is entirely free through the Medical Card system.
Some people automatically qualify for a Medical Card, though anyone living in the country can apply for one.
Eligibility is determined by financial need, and you must provide information about your finances and family to be considered.
What’s Covered With a Medical Card?
- Visits to a general practitioner (GP)
- Prescriptions
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Dental checks
- Mental health services
- Eye and ear tests
If you are not eligible for a Medical Card, you can apply for a GP Visit Card. With this card, visits to a GP are covered, but you’ll still need to pay for other services.
Everyone else in Ireland can use the public healthcare system and pay out of pocket for the services provided. Through the HSE, the costs of these services are subsidized.
The average visit to a GP costs $58 (€54) while emergency room (A&E) visits are capped at $107 (€100). As of April 17, 2023, inpatient hospital care is fully covered for anyone using the public system.
What if I’m Not Eligible for a Medical Card?
For those using the public healthcare system who are not eligible for a Medical Card or GP Visit Card, the government offers alternative options to help reduce healthcare costs. You must proactively sign up for these services.
- Drug Payment: Anyone is eligible to apply for this card, and there is no means test. Under this scheme, your copays for prescription medications are capped at $86/month (€80). If you spend more than that in one month while holding this card, you may be eligible for a refund.
- Fair Deal: This scheme is designed for individuals who require financial assistance with nursing home care.
- Long-Term Illness: Depending on the type of long-term illness, you may be eligible for certain prescriptions and treatments at no cost. You can find out which conditions are covered at the HSE website.
- Treatment Abroad: This is for treatment that is not available in Ireland. Your referral must come from a hospital doctor, and you need to be approved for this scheme before traveling to receive treatment. Experimental treatments are not covered.
- Hospital Waiting List: If you are facing a long wait to receive treatment for your condition, the HSE has two schemes to help you access care more quickly.
- Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare: This is a reimbursement program for patients who receive care in Northern Ireland. This only applies to care that is available as part of the public scheme in Ireland, and you’ll need a referral from your doctor.
- Cross-Border Directive: This is an expanded version of the Northern Ireland Scheme. It allows patients to receive care in the European Union or the European Economic Area. You’ll need a referral from your doctor, and it must be a service covered under Irish public healthcare. You’ll have to pay out of pocket and then apply for reimbursement afterward.
How to Access & Receive Healthcare in Ireland
Hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies are available throughout the country. To receive healthcare in Ireland, the first thing you should do is find a GP.
The HSE has an online service to help you find one in your area. It’s important to have a GP because you’ll need a referral from one to see most specialists, regardless of whether you’re using the public or private healthcare system.
In the event of an emergency in Ireland, you have two options for receiving care. Injury units are where you go for non-life-threatening events.
This includes things such as broken bones, burns, or minor head injuries. Visits to an injury unit cost $80 (€75) if you do not have a referral or Medical Card.
For anything life-threatening, you should go to the emergency department (also known as Accident and Emergency or A&E).
Healthcare for Expats in Ireland
Anyone with an Irish residency can use the public healthcare system. This is true for expats who intend to remain in the country for at least one year.
Most visas are sufficient proof of this. However, some visas, such as retiree or student ones, require you to purchase private insurance as part of your application process.
There is no waiting period to join the public system. Anyone who intends to stay in Ireland for at least one year is eligible to use the system.
If you’ve been in the country for less than one year but can show the HSE your intention to remain, you will be eligible for public healthcare services.
European citizens who hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can also access public healthcare in Ireland.
You will need to register your card through the HSE before receiving any treatments to take advantage of the full benefits provided.
Expat Insurance for Ireland
Whether a short-term or long-term visitor to the Emerald Isle, you’ll want to make sure you are fully covered.
Most expats tend to purchase private insurance, as it enables them to receive treatment quickly and select their own specialists.
Many plans even extend their coverage to protect you outside of Ireland. If you plan to travel to Europe or elsewhere while living in Ireland, you should consider purchasing a plan with this expanded coverage.
Recommended Health Insurance in Ireland for US Citizens
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Health Insurance in Ireland for Non-US Expats
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Affordable global coverage with flexible options
- Coverage area options based on where you live or work
- Visit any doctor or hospital worldwide
Elizabeth Baugh is a versatile freelance writer specializing in education, travel, health, and wellness. She has international experience living in multiple countries, is fluent in Spanish, and holds a license as a TEFL teacher, sharing insights on travel and relocation.
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