As a foreigner living in Ireland, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
We asked expats in Ireland if they have access to public healthcare in Ireland. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"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," said another expat in Galway, Ireland.
"Yes, as a foreigner living in Ireland, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Ireland is known as the Health Service Executive (HSE). It provides a range of services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and disability services. The HSE also provides free healthcare to those who are eligible, including those who are unemployed, have a low income, or are under 18. The quality of care provided by the HSE is generally good, and the staff are friendly and helpful," wrote a member who made the move to Ireland.
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- As a foreigner living in Ireland, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
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As a foreigner living in Ireland, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
If you live in Ireland, newcomers to Ireland would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.