BackHEALTHCARE INSURANCE
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Ireland's No.1 health insurer, provides quick and easy access to private healthcare.
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Healthcare in Ireland has been improving greatly over the last few years. There has been a National Health Service in place since 2005 however this differs to the UK. Mortality rates of the three biggest killers in Ireland – heart disease, cancer and stroke – have also dropped drastically in recent decades. Especially if you are moving to Ireland it’s important to consider what the healthcare system is like.
In spite of there being government-subsidized schemes such as GP Visit Cards and the Long Term Illness Scheme, most Irish people opt for their own private insurance. This is because private insurance allows immediate treatment.
It is important for expats to consider whether pre-existing insurance can be used abroad or even consider if a health insurance policy can be negotiated into an employment package. Below you can find some private and international health insurance companies in Ireland:
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As the largest health insurance provider in Ireland, they placed a longstanding reputation around them. They count over a million users, relying on them for trustworthiness and experience. They offer an immense diversity of policies, from comprehensive plans and hospital plans to dental plans, to suit everyone’s necessities and budgets.
| Benefit | One Plan | HealthPlus Access | PremiumCare |
| Inpatient Care | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | €60 consultant visit | €30 GP and physiotherapist per visit, max.12 | €50 GP and physiotherapist per visit, max.12 |
| Maternity | Covered | Covered | – |
| Dental | No | No | €50 per visit, max. 12 |
| Vision | No | No | No |
| Prescription Costs | No | No | No |
| Emergency medical evacuation | No | No | 3 visits with a €75 excess/claim |
| Mental health | Up to 100 days | Up to 100 days | Up to 180 days |
GeoBlue is an international health insurance company that puts your health first. With their wide network of providers and assistance 24/7 around the world, you’ll be covered with the best medical care. GeoBlue also offers a variety of plans to fit your needs, so you can find the perfect one for your budget.
| Benefit | Xplorer |
| Inpatient Care | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | Covered |
| Maternity | – |
| Dental | Optional |
| Vision | Optional |
| Prescription Costs | Yes |
Laya Healthcare is the second-largest private health insurance company in Ireland. Since 1997, they have offered competitive plans and a range of discounts and benefits for their members. You’ll make sure to have access to a wide range of providers and expect shorter waiting times for treatment.
| Benefit | Essential | SimplyHealth Plus | Total Health Plus |
| Inpatient Care | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | €250 Excess | Covered | Covered |
| Maternity | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Dental | Up to €25/year | 50% of costs up to €300/year | 50% of costs up to €300/year |
| Vision | Up to €20/year | 50% of costs up to €150/year | 50% of costs up to €150/year |
| Prescription Costs | No | No |
As a worldwide renowned company, Cigna Global helps more than 180 million customers all over the world. They are committed to providing quality health care through flexibility and affordable prices, with plans that will let you access both global and local healthcare providers.
| Benefit | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
| Inpatient Care | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Maternity | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Dental | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Vision | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Prescription Costs | Can vary | Can vary | Can vary | Can vary |
| Emergency medical evacuation | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Distancing itself from traditional health providers, Irish Life Health is focused on prevention. They provide private health insurance plans that will give you fast access to specialists and hospitals, covering you whenever you need them.
| Benefit | First Cover | BeneFit 1 | Health Plan 17 |
| Inpatient Care | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Outpatient Care | €50/visit | €55/visit | €60/visit |
| Maternity | Inpatient fees up to €300 | Can vary | Can vary |
| Dental | €250 for emergency dental care | €250 for emergency dental care | €450 for emergency dental care |
| Vision | – | – | – |
| Emergency medical evacuation | Up to €1 million | Up to €1 million | Up to €1 million |
If you’re still not sure which health insurance fits best your needs, you can fill in the form from our partner International Citizens Insurance and compare different health insurance companies! 👇
Ireland has a two-tier system which means you can choose between public and private healthcare. Public healthcare is funded by the government whereas in private healthcare the patient has to pay 100% of the costs.
For nationals of EU countries Ireland offers discounted healthcare for citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Those who are classified as ordinary citizens in Ireland (intending to stay for a year or more) have the availability of public health care. Although it is true there is a version of the NHS that exists in Ireland it is not exactly the same as in the UK. In addition, Accident & Emergency departments may charge for the use of their service (around €100). The NHS in Ireland offers subsidized rates for those without a medical card. Those with lower incomes are entitled to a medical card giving free healthcare access.
Although public healthcare in Ireland is similar to private healthcare a big problem is that the public system is often overbooked and waiting lists are long.
Private healthcare in Ireland can be undertaken in private hospitals which require the patient to pay the entire cost of treatment. In addition, there are often private beds in public hospitals, this requires the patient to pay doctors fees and hospital services.
Similarly to with medical care dental care can be subsidized or even paid for completely by a medical card however in the majority of cases, it will be necessary to have insurance.
In terms of orthodontic care the Health Service Executive (HSE) can provide subsidies or pay for severe orthodontic care for those under 16 years of age.
Pharmacies are very accessible in Ireland with 24-hour opening times in cities and are often open late in smaller areas. Prescription medication is free of charge to those with a medical card however there is also a cap under the Drug Payment Scheme which means that monthly subscriptions cannot be charged more than €144 per month.
Satisfaction rates with medical care are high in Ireland. A 2007 study found that 97% of patients were satisfied with the quality of care that they were given, which is much higher than the European average.
One of the reasons Ireland’s hospitals are so good is due to the high quality of education. Read everything about living in Ireland and its education on our Moving to Ireland Guide.
Do you want to continue planning your move to Ireland? If so, Sirelo makes it easy for you. 😉 We recommend you look at the pages linked below to get started.
