Ireland's healthcare system is a mix of both public and private options, offering a range of services for patients. The public health system in Ireland often comes in for a hard time, however, due to long wait times, understaffing, and overcrowded facilities. Ireland's private healthcare sector, on the other hand, offers faster access to medical care, personalised services, and a wide range of specialist treatments. Understanding this two-tier system is essential for anyone living in or planning to move to Ireland. This article dives into the nuances of the Irish healthcare system.
Public healthcare in Ireland
Ireland has a dual healthcare system consisting of both private and public healthcare options. The Health Services Executive (HSE) is the provider of public healthcare in Ireland. The HSE provides a wide range of services and community health services, either free of charge or at a subsidised rate, depending on eligibility criteria such as your income, age, or medical need.
The public system in Ireland is affordable and available to anyone planning to stay in the country for at least one year. Once you have been living in Ireland for at least a year, you will be entitled to take advantage of public health services. This is called being ordinarily resident in Ireland.
Medical cards and GP visit cards in Ireland
If you have a medical card in Ireland, you can get certain health services for free. To qualify for a medical card, your income needs to be below a certain level. Some people can get a medical card without an income test—for example, people who are entitled to a card under EU regulations. If you have a medical card, you don't have to pay to see your GP or for most medicines they prescribe. A medical card covers public outpatient and inpatient services, eye and ear tests, and dental checks. The medical card also covers most of the cost of prescription medicines.
If your income is above the limit for a medical card, you may be able to get a GP visit card, which has an income test with a higher limit. The GP visit card only covers free visits to your doctor, however. Children under the age of 8 can get a GP visit card, and if you are over 70, you can get a GP visit card without an income test.
Private healthcare in Ireland
Due to long waiting times, overcrowded facilities at public hospitals, and the need to pay for certain types of treatments, many people will also have private medical insurance. A private health insurance plan will cover the cost of hospital accommodation and provide quicker access to health services and treatment. The latest figures from the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) report in October 2025 reveal that 2.52 million people in Ireland have private health insurance, which is nearly half the population (46%).
Private medical insurance in Ireland is available from six major providers, including:
Health insurance premiums can vary depending on the level of coverage and the provider. To compare health insurance premiums between the major players in Ireland, you can visit The Health Insurance Authority, the statutory regulator of the Irish health insurance industry.
Some employers will offer a healthcare package as part of their benefits package; otherwise, you will have to take it out yourself. The cost of private healthcare can vary widely depending on different variables, including your age and health history. The average annual cost of private health insurance in Ireland has jumped, with average prices now at almost €2,000 per person.
There are many healthcare companies to choose from in Ireland, depending on your personal needs and budget. Some expats choose to be covered by an international health insurance policy in Ireland, which has been purchased in their home country, enabling them to get care globally.
The Drug Payment Scheme in Ireland
The Drug Payment Scheme provides financial protection by capping the monthly expenditure on prescription medications at €80 per household. Costs exceeding this threshold are covered by the state, significantly reducing the burden for individuals with ongoing medical needs. This is especially beneficial for patients managing chronic conditions or multiple prescriptions.
For medical card holders, prescription costs are further mitigated by a nominal charge of just €0.50 per item, subject to a monthly ceiling of €15. This provision is especially beneficial for patients managing chronic conditions or multiple prescriptions, as it ensures medication affordability and consistent adherence to treatment regimens.
Health benefits for expatriates in Ireland
If you are an expat and you have been in Ireland for at least a year, you are deemed to be an ‘ordinary resident', and you will be entitled to use the public health system. There are also ways to get access to the free public health system if you have been in Ireland for less than a year, but you can prove that you are going to be living in the country for the long term.
How to get a PPS number to access healthcare in Ireland
A Personal Public Service (PPS) number is essential for accessing public healthcare services in Ireland. This unique identification number facilitates access to various public services and ensures the efficient management of individual health records. Applicants must attend an Intreo Centre in person, presenting valid identification and evidence of residency. The PPS number serves as a centralised key for integration into Ireland's public healthcare infrastructure.
Private hospitals and clinics in Ireland
There are 21 private hospitals in Ireland. Private hospitals are mostly located in the Dublin area with some regional hospitals and clinics. Private hospitals in Ireland include Blackrock Clinic, St Vincent's Private Hospital, Bon Secours, St John of God Hospital, Mater Private Hospital, Hermitage Medical Centre, and Mount Carmel Hospital.
Certain hospitals will specialise in different kinds of treatment or patient types, such as women, children, or mental health. There are also high-tech hospitals, which are private hospitals with more advanced equipment and treatments available. High-tech hospitals offer more advanced cardiac, orthopaedic, cancer, and ophthalmic procedures. The three high-tech hospitals in Ireland are the Blackrock Clinic, Mater Private Dublin, and Beacon Hospitals.
Registering with a doctor in Ireland
Start looking for a doctor as soon as you arrive in Ireland. A GP (General Practitioner), also known as a family doctor or primary care doctor, is usually your go-to medical professional for non-emergency illnesses and health issues. Your GP can also refer you to specialist services and treatments.
Eligibility for healthcare in Ireland
If you are an EU citizen, you will have access to the public healthcare system in Ireland thanks to the European Health Insurance Card. Once you have this card, you can get necessary medical treatment free of charge. An EHIC only covers public healthcare; it does not cover private healthcare.
Non-European nationals may be required to furnish evidence of private health insurance when applying for visas or residence permits. This stipulation ensures that newcomers can independently cover medical expenses and reduces strain on the public system. Insurance coverage requirements vary depending on the visa type and country of origin, making it essential that you verify any stipulations in advance of moving to Ireland.
As mentioned above, once you have stayed in Ireland for at least one year, you are eligible to take advantage of the public healthcare system.
Tax relief and other supports in Ireland
You can claim income tax back on some types of medical expenses in Ireland. You have to claim tax relief within the 4 years following the year in which you paid for the healthcare. Tax relief is also available for premiums paid for private health insurance. This tax relief is included in the amount you pay, so you don't have to claim this relief. This is known as tax relief at source. If you have private health insurance, you can claim tax relief on the portion of those qualifying expenses not covered by your insurer.
There is a long-term illness scheme that can help those who do not qualify for a medical card but are struggling with a serious illness. Under the Long-Term Illness Scheme, you can get some drugs, medicines, and medical appliances for free. Anyone who is living in Ireland and intends to live here for at least one year can apply. There is no means test for the scheme.
Sláintecare
Ireland is undergoing a monumental transformation of its healthcare system through the implementation of the Sláintecare initiative. This comprehensive reform agenda is designed to reduce reliance on private insurance, expand public sector capacity, and promote a healthcare model based on equality and universality. Instead of the 2-tier system Ireland currently has, there will be one universal health service for everyone. The principal objectives encompass the minimisation of waiting lists, enhancement of access to services irrespective of socioeconomic status, and the establishment of a patient-focused system where quality and timely care are universally attainable.
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