Since the 1700s, between 9 and 10 million Irish citizens have migrated around the world. In more recent years, Irish citizens living abroad have been motivated by their love of travel and the desire to experience other cultures. An estimated 100 million people worldwide claim Irish heritage. No matter where expats go, they are sure to find some friendly faces and maybe even distant family.
Socio-economic conditions in Ireland today are a far cry from the strife and suffering of the 1700s and 1800s. In fact, the country now has one of the highest standards of living in the world. That is due in part to a solid public healthcare system. But that does not mean that Irish expats do not have a lot to adjust to.
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Adjusting to Life Without Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards
Very few countries have their public healthcare programs set up in the same way as Ireland. In some countries, everyone pays the same copay for medical visits. In others, there are no costs associated with medical visits whatsoever.
The staggered system of the Medical Card and GP Visit Card is unique! As such, some Irish expats might be pleasantly surprised to find that they never have to pay anything when visiting a doctor in their new country.
Alternatively, they might be unhappily shocked to learn that they do indeed need to pay a fee for every single doctor’s appointment.
Another unique aspect of Ireland is its prescription drug plan. This program caps the monthly bill that enrolled patients pay for their medication.
In many countries, even those with highly developed healthcare systems, no similar system exists. You must hold private health insurance to have the cost of prescription drugs reimbursed.
In Ireland, the general practitioner (GP) is central to the healthcare system. Your GP is your first point of contact for referring you to a specialist.
They are also your first resource for urgent care that is not suitable for the emergency room. Over time, patients and GPs develop a strong relationship that supports the patient’s health. However, in many other countries, the GP plays a significantly lesser role.
You may not need a referral to see a specialist. Alternatively, your GP might refer all pressing matters to the hospital and focus instead on non-urgent, routine appointments and preventive care.
Buying Health Insurance While Living Abroad
Depending on where you move, it can take between several months and several years to meet the residency requirements that allow you to qualify for public healthcare. It is up to you to have suitable coverage during that time. In fact, some countries might insist on it.
Private medical insurance coverage is also crucial for your comfort, privacy, and overall well-being. Ireland has one of the highest standards of public healthcare in the world.
A world of culture shock awaits Irish citizens who move out to other countries, especially developing countries, and experience their public health programs.
A lack of private physician consultations, private recovery rooms, English language consultations, and state-of-the-art diagnostic tests is jarring, to say nothing of the long wait times.
Best Health Insurance for Irish Expats Living in Any Country
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
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IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance
- Five flexible plan levels with optional add-ons
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Best Health Insurance for Irish Citizens Living in the USA
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
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- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Ireland’s Healthcare System Coverage Abroad
Ireland’s public healthcare coverage is only applicable to Irish residents. Once you move abroad, your residency ceases.
However, there are some small exceptions for short-term travelers. Ireland and Australia have a reciprocal healthcare arrangement.
Irish citizens who sign up for a free European Health Insurance Card can receive emergency healthcare at no cost in other participating countries.
Irish citizens are sometimes sent abroad to England to receive specialist healthcare that is not available at home. In those circumstances, all health-related costs are covered.
Government Recommendations for Irish Expats
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides comprehensive information on its website regarding everything citizens should know before traveling or moving abroad.
One important thing to note is that other countries have different laws and attitudes regarding alcohol. While Ireland has a strong culture of pub socializing and consuming alcohol in a wide variety of social and professional settings, this is not the case in other countries.
Consuming alcohol in public, with colleagues, or in certain social situations is not always acceptable – or even legal. For citizens accustomed to spending time in Dublin’s Temple Bar district, this can be quite an adjustment.
Planning to Return Home
Even if you were born and raised in Ireland, you would not receive any special treatment when you move back home after living abroad.
For all intents and purposes, you are treated as a new patient when applying for the Medical Card system and demonstrating that you are once again an “ordinary resident”.
However, returning expats have an advantage over first-time Irish residents in that they are familiar with the healthcare system and the country’s bureaucracy in general.
Collecting the necessary supporting documents, in theory, should be a bit easier.
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
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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