Known for its rolling landscapes and destinations full of culture, squeeze the best out of life in Ireland with international health insurance.
Rated among the top 10 countries to live in for quality of life by the United Nations, Ireland is a wonderful place to live as an expat. With beautiful countryside, a welcoming culture, and a healthy tourist industry, Ireland boasts a truly balanced lifestyle.
The country has an excellent education system and some of the best public healthcare services available. However, if you’re self-employed, a student, or looking for bespoke healthcare with access to wider, more specialist services, private health insurance has become a popular option in Ireland.
Learn more about public healthcare and the advantages of having private health insurance in Ireland below.
Ireland has two healthcare systems available – public healthcare and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is funded by taxation and run by the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide both free and subsidised services.
Anyone can access public healthcare in Ireland as long as you qualify as ‘ordinarily resident’. This means that, regardless of nationality, you must have lived in Ireland for at least one year, or plan to live there for at least one year.
If you’re approved as ‘ordinarily resident’, you may also be able to qualify for a means-tested medical card. This entitles you to free:
While free and subsidised healthcare is accessible to many people living here, there are often costs associated with visiting the hospital or General Practitioner (GP). Therefore, it’s up to you whether you’d like to use public healthcare or pay to access private health insurance in Ireland.
Pros and cons of using Ireland's healthcare system
| Public | Private |
|---|---|
| Costs are determined by income and residential eligibility. | Shorter waiting times. |
| If you don’t qualify for a medical card, you may be eligible for a GP visit card. | Better funding, with access to advanced ‘high-tech’ hospitals. |
| Limited flexibility choosing consultants. | Access to a wider choice of consultants. |
Even though you can secure public healthcare in Ireland as a foreigner or expatriate, it’s a good idea to get private healthcare coverage until your residency status is confirmed. Private healthcare can also offer you more personal and convenient health services.
Unless you’re eligible for a medical card, public healthcare often incurs a cost. In Ireland, private health insurance is a popular alternative, letting patients pay towards a policy that gives them access to private facilities, high-tech hospitals and reduced waiting times.
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The core benefits on the Silver plan provide international inpatient and daypatient cover, including hospital stays and treatment.
Available additional modules:Comprehensive coverage, with higher overall annual limits and added benefits including inpatient maternity care.
Available additional modules:Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full.
Available additional modules:An essential health plan created for those who need coverage only in their country of residence, and their country of nationality.
Available additional modules:
Expats can qualify for international health insurance in Ireland, which usually gives them extra benefits over choosing a local provider. International health insurance can give you coverage wherever you go, often offering a wider package. Access high-quality facilities and extra coverage, such as dental services and virtual support.
If you’re visiting Ireland with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you may already have access to free healthcare services. The EHIC card can offer subsidised and free healthcare if you’re travelling or staying temporarily within the EU, though you’ll need to carry it with you at all times. The EHIC doesn’t cover private healthcare, so if you’d rather use private services, international health insurance may be a better option.
Ireland offers a very high standard of healthcare for residents, students, and expats. Everyone can access public health services, although some people may need to pay to visit a doctor or the hospital. There are various state benefits available if you or your household qualify.
If you’re visiting Ireland temporarily as a UK resident, you can access ‘necessary healthcare’ from public health services. This also means you may need to pay for services you might normally expect to be free on the NHS. This isn’t a replacement for insurance, so make sure to stay covered while abroad. If you’re from the UK but now live in Ireland, you are entitled to public healthcare if you are ‘ordinarily resident’ there.