How to Get Irish Citizenship
Learn how to get Irish citizenship through descent, naturalization, or marriage. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps, and key benefits of an Irish passport.
Healthcare in Ireland
Discover all you need to know about healthcare in Ireland, including how to access care as a visitor or expat, expected costs, and more.
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. But for those relocating to the Emerald Isle, understanding how healthcare in Ireland works is essential before you move. This article examines the Irish healthcare system, including what you can expect to pay, the benefits of private coverage, and how foreigners can access care.
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How Healthcare Works in Ireland
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 health coverage 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.
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 health plans.
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 coverage plans — a higher percentage than in any other European country.
Individuals with private health plans 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 coverage. 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 capacity at hospitals in Ireland. 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 get Irish citizenship and those 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).
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 coverage 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 health insurance in Ireland, 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.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Healthcare in Ireland FAQs
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Yes. If you use private healthcare, you can usually choose your own GP, specialist, or hospital. People using the public healthcare system may have fewer choices, especially for specialist care or those living in more rural areas. Many expats take out private health coverage because it gives them greater flexibility and faster access to treatment, particularly in larger towns and cities.
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Prescription costs depend on the medication and whether you qualify for public healthcare support. Many people typicall only pay part of the cost through government programs, while others pay the full price. If you have private health coverage, check your policy to see whether it covers some prescription expenses.
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Yes. Ireland has a modern healthcare system with well-trained medical professionals and high standards of care. Furthermore, medical care is available in English. Many retirees in Ireland use a combination of public and private healthcare. Before moving, it is important to understand your eligibility for public services, or whether private health insurance might be right for your needs.
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Yes. English is the main language used throughout Ireland’s healthcare system, so most expats and visitors can communicate easily with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. In some areas, you may also hear Irish (Gaelic) spoken in hospitals and clinics, but medical care is widely available in English.
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It depends on where the prescription was issued and the medication you need. Some prescriptions from other countries may be accepted, but many pharmacies require a prescription from a doctor licensed to practice in Ireland. If you take regular medication, bring enough to cover your first few weeks and arrange an appointment with a local doctor soon after you arrive.
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Bring a valid photo ID, your health insurance card if you have one, and a list of any medications you take. If you’ve recently moved to Ireland, it is also helpful to bring copies of your medical records, vaccination history, and any recent test results.
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Appointment times vary depending on where you live and whether you choose public or private healthcare. Typically, GPs can see patients within a few days for routine care, while urgent cases are usually seen sooner. If you have private health insurance, you may also be able to access specialists more quickly than through the public healthcare system.
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If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, call 112 or 999 to reach the ambulance, fire, or police services. Both numbers are free to call and work throughout Ireland. For urgent medical problems that are not emergencies, contact your GP or visit the emergency department at your nearest hospital. If you are new to Ireland, research local hospitals so you know where to go.