Healthcare in Ireland
Healthcare in Ireland is modern, safe and among the best in the world. Ireland has a publicly funded healthcare system that expats with an 'ordinary resident' visa can register for. Unlike most EU countries it is not necessary to contribute to social security to receive public healthcare in Ireland.
Public healthcare in Ireland
The public system, although providing similar quality care to private hospitals, is overbooked and waiting lists can often be long even for operations that demand some urgency. Public healthcare is not completely free of charge except to lower income individuals, but it is greatly subsidised. Expats from European Union countries have agreements to receive free or reduced price emergency care.
Private healthcare in Ireland
Despite subsidised treatment and many free services in Ireland, many Irish citizens and most expats opt for private health insurance. This is required by law for non resident expats who are not EU citizens. Expats should take care to see what overseas insurance is accepted by private hospitals in Ireland. Private insurance allows expats to receive immediate treatment.
Many employers will provide private health insurance in Ireland, often choosing either BUPA or VHI as service providers. Expats and their employer should discuss healthcare and health insurance options, packages, coverage and premiums before moving to Ireland.
