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Healthcare in Ireland

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.

Health Insurance Ireland

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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1. VHI Healthcare

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.

Plans and Benefits

BenefitOne PlanHealthPlus AccessPremiumCare
Inpatient CareCoveredCoveredCovered
Outpatient Care€60 consultant visit€30 GP and physiotherapist per visit, max.12€50 GP and physiotherapist per visit, max.12
MaternityCoveredCovered
DentalNoNo€50 per visit, max. 12
VisionNoNoNo
Prescription CostsNoNoNo
Emergency medical evacuationNoNo3 visits with a €75 excess/claim
Mental healthUp to 100 daysUp to 100 daysUp to 180 days

2. GeoBlue

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.

HEALTHCARE INSURANCE
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1.909
International travel health insurance with access to a professional network of providers and customer service.

Plans and Benefits

BenefitXplorer
Inpatient CareCovered
Outpatient CareCovered
Maternity
DentalOptional
VisionOptional
Prescription CostsYes

3. Laya Healthcare

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.

Plans and Benefits

BenefitEssentialSimplyHealth PlusTotal Health Plus
Inpatient CareCoveredCoveredCovered
Outpatient Care€250 ExcessCoveredCovered
MaternityCoveredCoveredCovered
DentalUp to €25/year50% of costs up to €300/year50% of costs up to €300/year
VisionUp to €20/year50% of costs up to €150/year50% of costs up to €150/year
Prescription CostsNoNo

4. Cigna Global

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.

Plans and Benefits

BenefitBronzeSilverGoldPlatinum
Inpatient CareCoveredCoveredCoveredCovered
Outpatient CareCoveredCoveredCoveredCovered
MaternityCoveredCoveredCoveredCovered
DentalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
VisionOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Prescription CostsCan varyCan varyCan varyCan vary
Emergency medical evacuationOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional

5. Irish Life Health

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.

Plans and Benefits

BenefitFirst CoverBeneFit 1Health Plan 17
Inpatient CareCoveredCoveredCovered
Outpatient Care€50/visit€55/visit€60/visit
MaternityInpatient fees up to €300Can varyCan vary
Dental€250 for emergency dental care€250 for emergency dental care€450 for emergency dental care
Vision
Emergency medical evacuationUp to €1 millionUp to €1 millionUp 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! 👇

Public and Private Healthcare

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.

Public Healthcare

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

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.

Dental Care

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 and Prescriptions

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

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.