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Ireland Expat Health Insurance

The Republic of Ireland, more commonly referred to as Ireland, is a medium sized island nation located to the north west of continental Europe. The island is divided between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland with the Republic’s territory covering approximately five sixths of the total land mass. Ireland has an approximate population of 4.5 million people with just over 1 million people resident in the capital city Dublin. Ireland has a diverse and vibrant culture which has drawn influence from its rich history that includes the Norman invasion of the Middle Ages through to the Gaelic resurgence which began in the 13th century. Today, Ireland is a mix of mainstream Western culture alongside indigenous Gaelic traditions such as the Irish language, music, literature, arts and sports. Throughout the late 1990s and through to 2005, Ireland experienced strong and unprecedented economic growth, widely referred to as the ‘Celtic Tiger’ period. During this time Ireland’s economy began to concentrate on services and high-tech industries while maintaining focus on exports and foreign direct investment. Ireland’s open economy and reliance on a strong domestic property market left it over-exposed to the global economic recession of 2008 although signs of recovery have been noted and the economy is now expected to return to relative growth in 2011.

Ireland Health Care and Insurance

The health care system in Ireland is provided by the state in the form of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE was established in 2005 and is responsible for providing health and social services to all residents and legalized non-nationals. The HSE is not an independent body and remains under the overall remit of the Department of Health and Children. Ireland’s public health facilities are operated by the HSE although there is a large private health care market and approximately 45 percent of Irish citizens possess private health insurance. This high percentage reflects certain flaws within the public health care system which range from long waiting times for certain procedures and consultations with specialists to a limited number of beds available at a number of hospitals. As an expatriate or traveler in Ireland you are advised to purchase an international Ireland health insurance plan which, in the event of a medical emergency, can ensure swift access to the country’s top medical facilities.

Ireland’s public health care system covers all citizens who are members of the Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) scheme. Employers and employees make direct contributions from salary with the amount to be paid relevant on the level of income. These contributions entitle the member to one of two forms of health cover, namely access to no cost full public health care services or access to a no cost pre-determined list with certain services requiring a charge. Students, the unemployed, old-age pensioners and low income earners who do not qualify for or make contributions to the PRSI scheme receive a HSE issue ‘medical card’. This card entitles the holder and his/her dependants to free access to all public health services including visits to their local doctor or physician, in-patient and out-patient services, dental treatment and free medicine or drug prescriptions. Approximately 32 percent of the population is covered by the medical card scheme and it is envisaged that the scheme will eventually surpass PRSI and extend to all residents.

Primary health care services are provided by general practitioners (GP) who either operate independently or as part of a group in a local health center. These GPs generally charge on a fee per consultation basis which can cost up to a maximum of €60 with medical cards holders being exempt from these charges. Secondary and tertiary level care is provided by hospitals which are divided into three separate categories depending on whether they are publicly or privately operated. Public hospitals comprise facilities that are run by the HSE or voluntary public hospitals while the remainder functions as private hospitals. HSE and voluntary hospitals are very similar in the range of treatments they can offer and in how they are administered. Public facilities in Dublin include the James Connolly Memorial hospital and the Rotunda maternity hospital which is the world’s oldest having being built in 1745. Private health facilities offer a more comfortable and attentive stay in modern and well equipped facilities. The expatriate and tourist in Ireland should be aware that visits to a GP will require a cash payment at the time of treatment. Public and private facilities will also request cash payments if you are not members of the PRSI scheme. As such, having Ireland health insurance is strongly advised.

Ireland Travel Insurance Concerns

In 2002 waiting times for patients seeking certain in-patient and specialist treatments ranged from two to five years. Discontent at these exorbitant waiting times forced the government of the day to introduce a fund by which individuals waiting for three months or longer can receive treatment at a private hospital with the costs being covered by the government. This initiative had an immediate affect in reducing waiting times although some specialist services and complicated operations still require a wait of two to three months.

The civil and sectarian unrest which affected Northern Ireland and the Republic’s border regions from the 1960s through to the late 1990s has largely subsided. A peace agreement signed by the Irish and British governments and the Northern Ireland political parties in 1998 has brought relative calm to the area. There are still some sporadic outbreaks of violence blamed on groups on both sides who oppose the agreement although most visits to the region pass off trouble free. From the quiet towns and villages of rural Ireland to the hustle and bustle of cities like Dublin, Galway and Belfast, the island of Ireland has plenty of attractions for the expatriate and traveler alike to enjoy.

Ireland Expat Health Insurance

Expatriates and visitors to Ireland should be aware that the cost of treatment from GPs and at hospitals can be expensive. To ensure you and your family has sufficient protection against all possible medical emergencies purchase an Ireland expat health insurance policy prior to your arrival in the country. Health Expat health insurance policies can be tailored to suit you and your family and can include benefits such as maternal, dental, consultations and more. Global Health Insurance can assist you, free of charge, through the various policies that offer you and your family adequate health cover. For more information on Ireland expat health insurance and our international health insurance plans please contact a Global Health Insurance advisor today.