15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Ireland

"Private health insurance is absolutely essential. The private hospitals are OK provided it is not an emergency. There is no 24 hour A and E. If it were available I would insure also for a fly you back to Germany for accidents and emergencies. I was left on a trolley for 30 hours falling a fall with a broken collar bone and ribs. I am over 70 with a heart condition. Some third world countries have better medical services than Ireland," said one expat living in Galway.

"Healthcare services in Ireland are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is known as the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is funded by the government. It provides a range of services including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and long-term care. The quality of public healthcare in Ireland is generally good, with a wide range of services available. Foreign residents in Ireland have access to the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Ireland can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local GP and paying the relevant fees. They may also be eligible for a medical card, which entitles them to free healthcare services," mentioned one expat in Ireland.

"My doctor recently made a house call to visit me when I was under the weather and unable to visit his office. Very happy with the costs and services," commented one expat who moved to Ballyconnell.

"Ireland has a comprehensive public health system that provides free healthcare to all citizens and legal residents. The public health system is funded by taxation and is managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE provides a wide range of medical services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and specialist services. Primary care services are provided by general practitioners (GPs) and community health services, while hospital care is provided by public and private hospitals. Mental health services are provided by the HSE and private providers, and specialist services are provided by consultants in public and private hospitals. Ireland also has a number of private health insurance providers that offer additional coverage for medical services," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Ireland can be expensive. The cost of healthcare in Ireland is largely dependent on the type of care needed and the provider chosen. Health insurance premiums can also be costly, and the cost of coverage can vary depending on the type of plan chosen. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Ireland can be expensive, but there are options available to help make it more affordable," mentioned one expat in Ireland.

"Medical insurance is extremely complicated and needs to be renegotiated every year. Tax relief is available. Many things are not covered. People with chronic on going conditions would have difficulties. Whether your insurance is accepted depends on the individual policy and there is usually an excess to pay. Medical care in Ireland is probably the most expensive in Europe. Specialists charge 150-250 euros for 10 minute appointments. Hospital beds start at 1000 per day in crowded dirty wards," commented one expat who moved to Galway, Ireland.

"Emergency services in Ireland are provided by the National Ambulance Service (NAS). The NAS provides emergency medical services, fire services, and search and rescue services. To call for an ambulance, dial 112 or 999 from any phone. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency. The operator will then dispatch an ambulance to the scene," said one expat living in Ireland.

"The nearest hospital is the University College Hospital Galway. This is a dirty, old building with very few doctors many of whom barely speak English. The Galway Clinic (private) is OK but also overburdened. The Bon Secour (private) is also OK," mentioned one expat in Galway.

"Ireland has a wide selection of medical specialists across its cities and counties, with some of the best known concentration of specialists being located in Dublin, Galway and Cork. Dublin has a very diverse range of medical specialists in its city centre, as well as in the surrounding northern and southern counties of Kildare and Wicklow. Galway is widely renowned for its medical specialist practice, holding some of the largest general and specialty hospitals in the country. Cork also has many excellent medical specialists, with a few notable hospitals located throughout the city. Aside from these well known cities, many of Ireland’s smaller towns and counties are home to specialist medical clinics and consulting rooms, providing quality medical care to patients," mentioned one expat in Ireland.

"I do return to my home country for medical care. The quality of doctors in Germany is far higher and they have time to speak to you. Hospitals are properly equipped and clean. No waiting. Even privately you have to wait long periods to see a specialist in Ireland. Finally medical services in Germany are much cheaper," commented one expat who moved to Galway, Ireland.

"Prescription medications are widely available in Ireland. Most medications that are prescribed by a doctor can be obtained from a pharmacy. In some cases, a doctor may need to apply for special permission from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to prescribe certain medications. In addition, some medications may need to be imported from other countries," wrote one expat.

"Yes most but not all medicines are available. Even with a medical card you must pay. Prescriptions are needed for almost everything as pharmacists here do not appear to have the same capabilities as in France or Germany. My hayfever medicine is sent from Germany as unavailable here," commented one expat who moved to Galway.

"Ireland has a modern, highly regarded healthcare system that provides quality medical care to all its citizens. Ireland has a network of excellent hospitals and healthcare providers providing advanced treatments, high quality care and patient-centred care for all. Ireland has a long-standing tradition of training high quality medical professionals and many of its universities offer world-class medical degrees. The nation also has a history of making investments in medical research, which has enabled the development of cutting-edge treatments and technologies. In addition, Ireland has access to a range of primary care services, such as general practitioners, dentists, and pharmacies, ensuring that all citizens receive the highest level of medical care," wrote an expat living in Ireland.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Ireland, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Ireland is known as the Health Service Executive (HSE). It provides a range of services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and disability services. The HSE also provides free healthcare to those who are eligible, including those who are unemployed, have a low income, or are under 18. The quality of care provided by the HSE is generally good, and the staff are friendly and helpful," commented one expat living in Ireland.

"Yes I qualify because I am a German pensioner and the German government dock my pension to pay the Irish government for my medical card. It covers most things but only with enormously long waiting lists. The public hospitals are dirty, OVERCROWDED and without sufficient doctors," wrote one expat.

"I suffered a back injury and was bedridden for a week. My doctor made a house visit to evaluate me and prescribe treatment. Submitting claim to our Irish insurance company was simple and easy and the cost for the Doctor visit extremely low," wrote one expat.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the Irish healthcare system. The healthcare system has had to adapt to the changing needs of the population, with a focus on providing care for those with Covid-19. The government has implemented a range of measures to ensure that the healthcare system is able to cope with the increased demand, including the introduction of telemedicine services and the expansion of hospital capacity. In addition, the government has provided additional funding to support the healthcare system, including the provision of additional personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been under considerable strain, with long waiting times for appointments and delays in the delivery of care," commented one expat who moved to Ireland.