Ireland’s Healthcare System

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 in and out of 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. There is high-quality care 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, high-quality, and available 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. Those with private health insurance are able to receive care faster, particularly for elective treatments. It also allows people to select their own specialists. In the public system, you simply see the first doctor available.

Challenges of Ireland’s Healthcare System

About half of the people in Ireland can get medical treatment faster 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 wants the entire system to be free, based on patients’ needs and not their finances. This new healthcare plan, called “Sláintecare,” is expected to be implemented by 2030.

The government hopes to reduce waiting lists and expand the capacity of hospitals. 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 more effectively treat patients.

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 who is a resident of Ireland is eligible to use their 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 have to supply information about your finances and family to be considered.

Read More: Countries With Universal Healthcare

Recommended Health Insurance in Ireland for US Citizens

What’s Covered With a Medical Card?

Visits to a general practitioner (GP)
Prescriptions
In-patient 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). Inpatient hospital care is fully covered for anyone using the public system as of April 17, 2023.

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, there are other options the government offers to help reduce healthcare costs. You must proactively sign up for these services.

Drugs 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 can apply for a refund.
Fair Deal: This scheme is for those who require financial assistance for nursing home care.
Long-Term Illness: Depending on the long-term illness, you can get some prescriptions and treatments for free. 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 get care quicker.
- 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 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 apply for reimbursement after the fact.

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 case of an emergency in Ireland, you have two options to receive 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 head to the emergency department (called Accident and Emergency or A&E).

Healthcare for Expats in Ireland

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service

Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan

Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
Define your deductible and prescription benefits
For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad

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 have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are also able to 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 buy private insurance as it enables them to get treatment quickly and select their own specialists. Many plans even extend their coverage to protect you outside of Ireland. If you plan to tour Europe or elsewhere while living in Ireland, you should purchase a plan with this expanded coverage.

Read More: Health Insurance In Ireland for Expats

Recommended Health Insurance in Ireland for US Citizens

Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan

Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
Define your deductible and prescription benefits
For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad

Health Insurance in Ireland for Non-US Expats

IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance Plan

Five plan options and additional optional benefits to include
Choice of the coverage area to reflect your geographical area of need
Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world