How to Navigate the Health System in Ireland

Ireland has a two-tiered healthcare system, consisting of both public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is called the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is funded by the government. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Ireland, however, they are not eligible for free healthcare and must pay for their treatment. People generally recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. Public hospitals in Ireland are typically clean and modern, with a wide range of services available.

Ireland's Private Healthcare System

Ireland also has a private healthcare system, which is used primarily by expats and digital nomads. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but it is often faster and more convenient. Private hospitals in Ireland are typically well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.

Ireland's Top Hospitals

Some of the most well-known hospitals in Ireland include:

• St. James's Hospital (public, Dublin)
• Beaumont Hospital (public, Dublin)
• Cork University Hospital (public, Cork)
• Galway University Hospital (public, Galway)
• Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (public, Dublin)
• St. Vincent's University Hospital (private, Dublin)
• Bon Secours Hospital (private, Cork)
• Blackrock Clinic (private, Dublin)
• Hermitage Medical Clinic (private, Dublin)
• The Mater Private Hospital (private, Dublin)

Health Insurance Companies in Ireland

The most popular private health insurers in Ireland are VHI, Laya Healthcare, and GloHealth. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Ireland: How to Navigate the Health System

"My doctor recently made a house call to visit me when I was under the weather and unable to visit his office. Very happy with the costs and services," commented one expat living in Ballyconnell, Ireland.

"Every visit to GP or consultant costs money, unless you earn very little money and have a medical card. Waiting times are insane, sometimes even when you are privately insured," mentioned one expat living in Ireland.

"Ireland has a comprehensive public health system that provides free healthcare to all citizens and legal residents. The public health system is funded by taxation and is managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE provides a wide range of medical services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and specialist services. Primary care services are provided by general practitioners (GPs) and community health services, while hospital care is provided by public and private hospitals. Mental health services are provided by the HSE and private providers, and specialist services are provided by consultants in public and private hospitals. Ireland also has a number of private health insurance providers that offer additional coverage for medical services," said an expat in Ireland.

"Private health insurance is absolutely essential. The private hospitals are OK provided it is not an emergency. There is no 24 hour A and E. If it were available I would insure also for a fly you back to Germany for accidents and emergencies. I was left on a trolley for 30 hours falling a fall with a broken collar bone and ribs. I am over 70 with a heart condition. Some third world countries have better medical services than Ireland," commented one expat living in Galway, Ireland.

"Healthcare services in Ireland are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is known as the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is funded by the government. It provides a range of services including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and long-term care. The quality of public healthcare in Ireland is generally good, with a wide range of services available. Foreign residents in Ireland have access to the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Ireland can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local GP and paying the relevant fees. They may also be eligible for a medical card, which entitles them to free healthcare services," mentioned one expat living in Ireland.