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.
