Country Guides

Ireland

Understanding the local healthcare system.

Are you planning a move to Ireland to call the rolling hills of the Emerald Isle home? Is your daughter considering studying abroad in Dublin next year? Or is your company offering the opportunity of a lifetime to work abroad in Galway?  

Either way, it’s important as a non-EU citizen to understand what health insurance is required for upcoming work, school or play in Ireland.  

International health insurance can seem overwhelming, which is why we’ve created this convenient guide with helpful information to simplify the process. You can plan your upcoming trip and be confident in selecting health insurance in Ireland that gives you peace of mind. Whether exploring the seaside Cliffs of Moher, walking the halls of historic, ivy-covered stone castles or kissing the Blarney stone, you’ll be at ease knowing you’re protected.

Key takeaways about healthcare in Ireland.

  • Ireland has both a publicly run healthcare system as well as a private healthcare market.
  • About 50% of the population has private health insurance—the highest rate of private insurance usage in Europe. 
  • Students from non-EU countries are required to have private health insurance.
  • Expats working abroad must plan on staying in Ireland for at least a year to be considered an “ordinarily resident.”

Understanding the healthcare system in Ireland.

Ireland offers both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system in Ireland is overseen by The Health Service Executive (HSE) and is funded by taxes.  

Ireland has the distinction of having the highest population of citizens on private insurance in Europe. Private insurance is associated with shorter wait times to schedule appointments, as well as the ability to choose the doctors that you want to see.  

Since 2017, there have been discussions in government about creating a single-tier healthcare system called 'Slaintecare'. It is expected that Slaintecare would significantly reduce the use of private insurance in Ireland. However, this single-tier system has not yet been established. 

Ireland’s health insurance requirements for expats and student travelers.

According to the U.S.-Ireland Working Holiday Agreement, U.S. citizens are permitted to travel and work in Ireland for up to 12 months.

Expats and International Workers

To qualify for public health insurance, an expat must meet the requirements to be an “ordinarily resident.” This means you must be planning to live in Ireland for at least one year, and proof of insurance is mandatory. 

If an expat employee does not pay taxes in Ireland and intends to return home within three years, these employees are generally not considered “ordinarily resident” and are exempt from the local healthcare requirement. They should, however, purchase an international health insurance plan to ensure they can access and pay for care while in Ireland.

Students Studying Abroad in Ireland

All non-EU students are required to have private health insurance while studying abroad in Ireland. Students must also provide proof of insurance when they register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau when arriving in Ireland.  

Getting healthcare if you're moving, studying or traveling to Ireland can seem overwhelming. Yet, partnering with an established global health insurance provider such as Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions can make the process simple and worry-free. You can focus on planning your exciting trip to Ireland, and we’ll take care of the rest.

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The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be comprehensive, accurate, or up to date in all respects. While we endeavor to present informative content about healthcare systems across various countries, healthcare policies, regulations, and practices are subject to change and may vary significantly by region. Users should not rely solely on the content of this website without verifying information through official sources.

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