Healthcare System in Ireland: everything you need to know

How does the Irish healthcare system operate?

Ireland has a comprehensive and integrated healthcare system for all its citizens. It is funded by local government through taxation and is considered a high quality system. People pay for health services depending on their income level. There is a system called Medical Card, which is considered category 1 and is for people with an income of less than 184 Euros a week. People who qualify for this system can receive hospital care, doctor visits, tests and medications free of charge.

There is also a system called the General Medical Visit Card (GP visit card) where people just above the income level of those on the Medical Card are eligible. Members of this system have the benefit of seeing a general practitioner free of charge, however they do not enjoy the other benefits offered on the Medical Card although they are still considered first class, they must pay for some services.

For those who do not qualify for either the Medical Card or the General Medical Visit, they must pay for some health services with costs averaging between 50 and 100 Euros. This group is considered in category 2.

About 40% of Irish citizens have private health insurance. There are only four private health care providers in Ireland and they offer the benefit of private clinics with reduced waiting times and better technology.

For members of category 2, it is often cheaper to hire private insurance as with public insurance they are forced to pay for many of the services.

How does the system work for foreigners?

To be eligible for the Irish health care system, you must be living in the country for at least one year. Depending on your income level, the place where you live or the job you have, it will be determined whether you qualify for category 1 or 2. While the year of residence is fulfilled, the system does not cover medical expenses. Therefore, the best option may be to hire an international health insurance plan with coverage in Ireland.

To see the best health insurance for your stay in Ireland, go to InternationalHealth.com and compare, quote and hire the insurance that best suits your profile.

If you are traveling for tourism, you should have travel insurance, as the local system will not cover your medical expenses in case of any unforeseen event. They will provide you with the service you require, but you will have to pay all the costs, so always travel with health insurance. You can also find all the market offer for travel insurance plans at International Health.

What do I do if I have an emergency in Ireland?

In case of any medical emergency, you should call 112 or 999 for ambulance service. The same lines work for police and fire department.

If you are visiting, you will have to pay a fee for emergency services, if you are a resident and have a medical card, emergency services are free. 

However, if you have medical insurance, you will get reimbursed over the cost of any procedure, even the ambulance service. 

How do pharmacies operate in Ireland?

Those who do not have a Medical Card must pay for any medication they need, no matter if they require a prescription or not.

In pharmacies you will find over-the-counter and prescription drugs as well as hygiene and beauty products.

It is important to note that there are no 24-hour pharmacies in Ireland. If you have an emergency or need medication during the night (they usually close at 6pm) go to the nearest hospital where they will be able to assist you.

Anyone without a Medical Card must pay for medication, regardless of whether they have medical insurance. It is more convenient to buy in bulk, so if you have an illness that requires medication on a regular basis, it will be cheaper if you buy a couple months supply at once.

The local pharmacist can provide you with a free service in which he or she will do a private evaluation to tell you which medications you can take depending on the ailment you have. Take advantage of this benefit since it is free, if you decide to go to a doctor you will have to pay the corresponding cost. 

Entry Requirements

There are no entry restrictions to Ireland due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, remember that Ireland is part of the European Union, so you should check whether your country of nationality requires a visa for entry.