Ireland Health Insurance

The Republic of Ireland is an island nation in northwestern Europe, located to the west of the United Kingdom. The island consists of 32 individual counties, 26 of which form the Republic of Ireland while the remaining 6 are Northern Ireland. The Republic’s territory totals 84,421 square kilometers and its population is approximately 4.6 million people, 1 million of which live in Dublin, the capital city. Ireland has a rich and colorful history dating back to the 13th century and the arrival of Gaelic settlers. Gaelic culture and tradition retains a strong influence in present day Ireland through arts, sports, music, literature and the Irish language. During the ‘Celtic Tiger’ period of the late 1990s, Ireland experienced rapid economic growth as efforts to diversify the economy towards industry, services and foreign direct investment were successful. The benefits of an open market economy in boom times left Ireland in a vulnerable position when the global economic crisis developed in 2008. Significant financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union (EU), followed by domestic austerity measures has resulted in expectations that Ireland’s economy will return to growth in the near term future.

Ireland Health Care and Insurance

The provision and delivery of health care services in Ireland falls under the remit of the Department of Health and Children and primarily through its sub-division the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE was established to ensure public health services are available and accessible to all Irish citizens and legal residents. Public health and HSE facilities are available to citizens who are members of the Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) national insurance scheme and holders of the medical card issued to vulnerable members of society by the Government. A strong private health care industry also operates in Ireland and an estimated 45 percent of citizens hold private health insurance. Expatriates and travelers relocating to or visiting Ireland should note that medical costs will likely be more expensive than in your host country; purchasing an international Ireland health insurance policy will help protect against high medical costs.

All Irish citizens from the age of 16 who enter employment are required by law to join the PRSI insurance scheme. Contributions to the fund are made by both employer and individual and are dependent on annual salary. Members of the scheme are divided into two separate categories, one for those who are entitled to the full range of public health services at no cost or those who can avail of certain treatments free of charge with specialist treatments requiring payment. The medical card is issued to citizens such as old age pensioners, low income earners, the unemployed and students and the holder and their dependants can access the full range of public health services free of charge.

General practitioners, local doctors and physicians offer primary health care services in Ireland. Many operate individual practices or as part of a team in community health centers. While medical card holders can visit their local GP or doctor free of charge, consultations for the general population can cost up to €60. HSE, voluntary and private hospitals offer secondary and tertiary level health care services. There is little difference between HSE and voluntary hospitals as both are operated by the state. Private sector hospitals are well equipped and are capable of offering comfortable in-patient and out-patient services with the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin being one of Ireland’s better known and more established private health facilities. Tourists and expatriates should note that long delays at public health facilities are common. Possessing an international Ireland health insurance policy can ensure rapid access to some of the country’s best health facilities.

Ireland Travel Insurance Concerns

HSE and other publicly run health facilities have for many years endured widespread public criticism over the lack of hospital beds and excessively long waiting times for many treatments and procedures. There is a chronic shortage of beds at many hospitals, particularly in large cities like Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Hospital emergency rooms are generally crowded each day and waiting times of up to 10 hours or more have been reported in the emergency areas of many hospitals. Citizens living in rural areas have also derided the long distances they must travel to seek specialist treatment.

Ireland has many attractions to offer and is a popular tourist destination for many European and American holidaymakers. The picturesque rural villages and towns along the west coast offer a peaceful and relaxed stay while modern Ireland can be witnessed in the lively cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast. A peace agreement signed in 1998 has been adhered to by all the main political parties and as a result border counties and Northern Ireland in general is now a safe travel option for many expatriates and tourists visiting the country. A small number of dissident groups opposed to the peace process continue to carry out infrequent attacks but it is worth noting that these attacks are rarely directed at the general public.

Ireland Expat Health Insurance

Health facilities in Ireland operate to a high standard and all medical treatments, however complex, are available at both public and private health facilities. Expatriates and travelers should note that long waiting times are common at public health facilities. Treatment and consultations at both public and private health facilities is also very expensive. To ensure you and your family are adequately protected from high medical costs; it is advisable to invest in an international Ireland health insurance policy. Expat Medical Insurance can help you determine which product or policy is best suited to your individual needs. Policies can be tailored to include certain provisions such as in-patient, out-patient, dental, maternity and more. For more information on Ireland health insurance, global health insurance policies or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our advisors today.