It's a route round long waits here. Travel isn't refunded, and anything with an overnight stay needs HSE approval first.
Quick facts
- Refund
- Irish public cost, or the cost abroad if less
- Travel
- Not refunded
- UK
- Not covered
- Northern Ireland
- Temporary NI Planned Healthcare Scheme
- Overnight stay
- Needs prior authorisation
- Out-patient consult
- Max €130 refund
How it works
You need a referral, as you would here, from your GP, consultant or a HSE professional. You pay the provider abroad, then claim. "You will be repaid the cost of the public healthcare treatment in Ireland, or the cost of your treatment abroad, if that is less." "It does not include other costs such as travel."
It covers hospital care, dental and orthodontics, physio, psychology, mental health and disability services, among others. "Some health services are not included, for example, organ transplantation and long-term care such as nursing home care."
Prior authorisation
"If the treatment involves an overnight stay in hospital then it will need to be authorised in advance by the HSE." "Completed applications take 15 to 20 working days to process and you will be notified of the decision by letter." For anything else, check with the National Contact Point first: (056) 778 4546.
Getting your refund
Get the provider abroad to complete the HSE pro-forma invoice, and send it with their invoice and receipt. The HSE publishes refund rates by treatment code. "The maximum refund for a hospital outpatient consultation is €130."
The UK and Northern Ireland
"You can no longer use the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive to access healthcare in the UK." "The Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme is a temporary scheme that allows you to receive healthcare in Northern Ireland in a similar way to the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive." You pay and claim the cost from the HSE.
Common questions
What is the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive?
An EU rule that lets you get publicly-funded, available-in-Ireland treatment in another EU/EEA country and be repaid what it would have cost here, or the cost abroad if less.
Can I use the Cross-Border Directive in the UK?
No. But the temporary Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme works in a similar way for treatment in Northern Ireland.
Does the Cross-Border Directive pay for flights?
No. It does not include other costs such as travel.
Do I need approval before treatment abroad?
Yes, if it involves an overnight hospital stay. For other treatment, check with the National Contact Point.