Expat Healthcare & Health Insurance

Yes I qualify because I am a German pensioner and the German government dock my pension to pay the Irish government for my medical card. It covers most things but only with enormously long waiting lists. The public hospitals are dirty, OVERCROWDED and without sufficient doctors.

Expat Healthcare Advice for Galway

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.

Emergency Medical Care in Galway

The nearest hospital is the University College Hospital Galway. This is a dirty, old building with very few doctors many of whom barely speak English. The Galway Clinic (private) is OK but also overburdened. The Bon Secour (private) is also OK.

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Quality of Healthcare in Surrounding Area

I do return to my home country for medical care. The quality of doctors in Germany is far higher and they have time to speak to you. Hospitals are properly equipped and clean. No waiting. Even privately you have to wait long periods to see a specialist in Ireland. Finally medical services in Germany are much cheaper.

Prescription Medicines

Yes most but not all medicines are available. Even with a medical card you must pay. Prescriptions are needed for almost everything as pharmacists here do not appear to have the same capabilities as in France or Germany. My hayfever medicine is sent from Germany as unavailable here.

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Expat Health Insurance in Ireland

Medical insurance is extremely complicated and needs to be renegotiated every year. Tax relief is available. Many things are not covered. People with chronic on going conditions would have difficulties. Whether your insurance is accepted depends on the individual policy and there is usually an excess to pay. Medical care in Ireland is probably the most expensive in Europe. Specialists charge 150-250 euros for 10 minute appointments. Hospital beds start at 1000 per day in crowded dirty wards