Healthcare in Ireland

Written by Lais Cattassini Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Lais Cattassini

Lais is a Brazilian journalist and copywriter with over 17 years of experience, writing about things she knows really well (travelling, cinema, social media trends) and things she loves learning about.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 14, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Interesting facts:

• Ireland operates a two-tier healthcare system, where residents have access to both public and private healthcare.
• Ireland offers free public maternity services to all expectant mothers and free healthcare for children up to six years of age.
• Ireland is undergoing a major healthcare reform initiative known as Sláintecare.

Overview of the Irish healthcare system

The Irish healthcare system operates as a mixed public-private model, offering services to residents through both state-funded and private healthcare providers. There is universal access to certain healthcare services, though this is not entirely free. The extent of free services depends on an individual's income, age, and medical needs.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for the delivery of public health services, and it oversees hospitals, primary care centres, and a wide range of other health facilities.

Medical Cards allow individuals to access a range of healthcare services for free, including GP) visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. GP Visit Cards cover the cost of general practitioner visits but do not cover additional services like prescriptions or hospital care.

Many Irish residents supplement their public healthcare with private health insurance to reduce wait times and gain access to private hospitals or quicker elective procedures.

A recent reform effort, Sláintecare, aims to transform the healthcare system into a more universal and equitable model. This plan seeks to reduce dependency on private health insurance and expand public healthcare services, with goals including reducing waiting times, increasing accessibility, and improving overall care quality.

How to access the healthcare system in Ireland as an expat

In Ireland, access to public healthcare services is generally based on residency rather than nationality. You must be considered "ordinarily resident," which means you have been living in Ireland for at least one year or have the intention to live there for a minimum of one year.

Steps to Determine Eligibility

You may be required to provide documentation that demonstrates your intent to reside in Ireland for at least a year. This could include a rental agreement, employment contract, utility bills, or other evidence.

EU/EEA citizens are automatically eligible for public healthcare services if they are living in Ireland and meet residency criteria. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which grants them access to public healthcare while they settle in.

Non-EU expats need to demonstrate residency and apply for any visas or permits that confirm their intention to stay in Ireland. The type of visa you hold may affect your access to services, but once you're deemed "ordinarily resident," you can access public healthcare.

Obtaining a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number

The Personal Public Service (PPS) number is essential for accessing public services, including healthcare, in Ireland.

To get one, you first need to visit a local Intreo Centre (part of the Department of Social Protection) or a PPS Registration Centre. Book an appointment and provide documents that verify your identity and proof of residence – such as a passport or national ID if you are an EU/EEA citizen, immigration status – and proof of address. Once approved, you'll receive your PPS number by post.

Registering with a General Practitioner (GP)

GPs are the first point of contact in the Irish healthcare system. Most GP services are privately operated but heavily used within the public system. You need to register with a GP, but it's not always required to register with one specific doctor to receive care.

You can search for GPs in your area via the Health Service Executive (HSE) website, or by asking locals for recommendations. Call the GP's office to inquire if they are accepting new patients. Some GPs may not accept new patients due to demand.

When you visit the GP, you'll be asked for your PPS number and details regarding any health insurance you have.

If you don't qualify for a medical or GP visit card, you'll need to pay for GP visits, which can range from €50-€70 per visit.

Applying for a Medical Card or GP Visit Card

Depending on your income, age, or specific health conditions, you may qualify for a Medical Card or a GP Visit Card, which grants free or reduced-cost access to healthcare services.

Visit the website or your local health office to fill out an application form for a Medical Card. You'll need your PPS number and financial information. You must provide proof of income and residency.

A GP Visit Card is available to those whose income is slightly above the threshold for a full medical card. It covers GP visits only, but not prescription or hospital costs. The application process is the same as for the medical card, and both can be applied for simultaneously via the HSE website.

Types of health insurance in Ireland

Public Health Insurance

Public health insurance in Ireland is primarily state-funded and offers a range of healthcare services through the Health Service Executive (HSE). However, public healthcare is not entirely free. Some individuals pay for specific services unless they qualify for medical or GP visit cards.

All residents, including expats, who are living in Ireland for at least a year are eligible for public health services. With a Medical Card, residents have free access to many public healthcare services, including GP visits, hospital care, and prescription medications. Eligibility is based on income, age, medical conditions, or special circumstances like pregnancy.

A GP Visit Card is available to individuals whose income is above the medical card threshold (€184 per week if you are a single person under the age of 66) but still relatively low. Other services, such as prescription medications or hospital stays, must be paid for unless they are covered by other state programs.

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance is widely used in Ireland to complement public healthcare services. Many individuals opt for private insurance to avoid long waiting times, gain access to private hospitals, and receive additional services not covered by the public system.

Private plans in Ireland usually include access to private and semi-private hospital rooms, reduced waiting times for elective surgeries and specialist consultations, and coverage for outpatient services such as physiotherapy, dental care, and optical treatments.

The three main private health insurance providers in Ireland are VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare, and Irish Life Health.

How much does health insurance in Ireland cost?

In Ireland, public healthcare is primarily funded through general taxation, meaning that residents do not pay a specific health insurance premium to access public health services. However, residents may still incur out-of-pocket expenses when accessing certain healthcare services.

If you do not have a Medical Card or GP Visit Card, a visit to a GP typically costs between €50 and €70 per consultation. Individuals with a GP Visit Card receive free GP visits. All children under six years old and adults over 70 are entitled to free GP visits under specific government schemes.

Without a Medical Card, residents pay the full cost of prescription medications. However, the Drugs Payment Scheme caps the maximum amount a family or individual pays for prescribed drugs at €80 per month. Those with a Medical Card pay a nominal charge of €1.50 per prescription item, up to a maximum of €15 per month per person or family.

There is a charge of €80 per day for inpatient services in a public hospital, up to a maximum of €800 per year. Charges are waived for Medical Card holders, children under 16, maternity services, and certain infectious diseases. Accident & Emergency (A&E) visits cost €100 per visit if you are not referred by a GP.

Adults generally pay for dental services out-of-pocket. However, Medical Card holders are entitled to certain free dental services, including an annual examination, two fillings per year, and extractions as necessary.

Private Health Insurance Costs

On average, health insurance premiums in Ireland range between €1,200 and €2,500 per year for adults. However, these costs can vary based on the specific plan and coverage.

Basic plans typically cover semi-private rooms in public hospitals, some outpatient care, and limited access to private hospitals. More comprehensive plans will include full access to private hospitals, private rooms, shorter waiting periods, and additional benefits like maternity care, dental coverage, and international health coverage for emergency situations.

Expat health insurance in Ireland

Expats do not need to take out private health insurance to access the public system. The public healthcare system in Ireland is funded through taxes, so as long as you are living and working in Ireland, you are contributing to the system through general taxation.

Non-EU/EEA nationals may need to show proof of private health insurance when applying for a visa or residence permit in Ireland. This is typically required to demonstrate that they will not be reliant on public healthcare services during their stay.

If you're staying in Ireland for less than one year (for work or study), you may not be eligible for public healthcare and might need private health insurance to cover any medical needs.

What to do in an emergency?

In Ireland, you can dial either 112 or 999 for emergency assistance. Both numbers connect you to emergency services and are free from any phone, including mobile phones (even if you have no credit).

If it is safe to do so and you can reach a hospital quickly, you can take the person to the nearest A&E (Accident and Emergency) department. There is a charge of €100 for A&E visits unless referred by a GP or you hold a Medical Card.