Healthcare in Ireland: Complete Guide to the Irish Healthcare System (2025)

The Irish healthcare system is a mixed public-private model that confuses many newcomers. Understanding how it works—what’s free, what costs money, and when you need private health insurance—is essential for anyone moving to Ireland. The system differs significantly from fully public (UK) or fully private (US) models.

This guide explains how Irish healthcare actually works, what you’ll pay for different services, how to access care, and whether you need private health insurance. Whether you’re moving from the US, UK, EU, or elsewhere, you’ll understand how to navigate the Irish health system effectively.

Overview: Public and private healthcare

Ireland has a two-tier system:

• Public healthcare (HSE): Available to all residents, partially free, waiting times long
• Private healthcare: Pay directly or through insurance, faster access, same doctors often

Key point: Most people use both systems depending on circumstances.

How it differs from other countries

vs United States:

• Ireland has public healthcare (US doesn’t)
• Emergency care accessible to all
• Much lower costs overall
• But waiting times much longer
• Private insurance common but optional

vs United Kingdom (NHS):

• Ireland’s system less comprehensive than NHS
• GP visits cost money (NHS free)
• Prescription charges higher
• More private healthcare usage
• Hospital care similar structure

vs EU countries (Germany, France, etc.):

• Similar mixed public/private model
• Comparable costs
• Similar waiting time issues
• Private insurance similarly common

Unique to Ireland:

• GP visits not free (€50-€70 per visit)
• Hospital emergency visits €100 (unless admitted)
• Dental and vision largely private
• Maternity care excellent and mostly free

The HSE (Health Service Executive)

HSE is Ireland’s public health service:

• Funded by taxation
• Provides healthcare to all residents
• Operates public hospitals
• Runs community health services
• Manages GP contracts (for medical card holders)

HSE provides:

• Emergency care
• Hospital inpatient care (with fees)
• Public hospital outpatient services
• Maternity services
• Child health services
• Mental health services
• Community care

HSE does NOT generally provide:

• Free GP visits (except medical card holders)
• Free prescriptions (except medical card holders)
• Dental care (except children and medical card holders)
• Vision care
• Hearing care

Website: hse.ie (comprehensive information)

Medical cards and GP visit cards

These cards determine what healthcare is free for you.

Medical card (full card)

What it gives you:

• Free GP visits
• Free prescription medications
• Free public hospital services
• Free dental and optical (limited)
• Free medical appliances

Who qualifies:

• Based on income and family size
• Low-income individuals/families
• Over 70s (higher income thresholds)
• Some chronic conditions (discretionary)

Income thresholds (2025, approximate):

• Single person: Under ~€14,000/year
• Couple: Under ~€24,000/year
• Additional for each child
• Higher thresholds for over 70s (~€60,000 single)

Reality: Most working professionals don’t qualify unless:

• Very low income
• Multiple children
• Over 70
• Specific medical conditions

How to apply:

• Online at hse.ie
• Through local health office
• Provide income proof
• Assessment takes 4-6 weeks

GP visit card (limited card)

What it gives you:

• Free GP visits only
• Still pay for prescriptions
• Still pay hospital charges
• No dental/optical

Who qualifies:

• Income slightly above medical card threshold
• Single: Under ~€18,000
• Couple: Under ~€30,000
• Additional for children

Reality: Still quite low income threshold, most working professionals don’t qualify.

For most people: Neither card

If you don’t have either card, you pay:

• GP visits: €50-€70 per visit
• Prescriptions: €70-€100+ per month (if multiple medications)
• Some hospital charges (see below)

This is why private health insurance is popular (see our private health insurance guide).

GP (General Practitioner) services

Your GP is your primary care doctor and gatekeeper to the system.

Finding a GP

How to find:

• HSE website: hse.ie (Find a GP service)
• Ask neighbors/colleagues for recommendations
• Check near your home/work
• Call practices to check if accepting new patients

Accepting patients:

• Many GPs not taking new patients (especially Dublin)
• Can be difficult to find one
• Start looking early
• May need to try several

Registration:

• Usually just book appointment
• Bring ID and proof of address
• Some charge registration fee (€25-€50)
• No formal “registration” system like UK

For complete information on finding and registering with a GP, see our GP registration guide.

GP visit costs

Without medical card:

• Standard consultation: €50-€70
• Varies by practice and location
• Dublin tends to be higher
• Pay at time of visit (card or cash)

With medical card:

• Free visits
• Prescriptions free
• Show card at each visit

With health insurance:

• Usually doesn’t cover routine GP visits
• Some plans offer €20-€40 cash back per visit
• Check your plan
• Still pay GP directly first

What GPs do

Primary care:

• Diagnose and treat common illnesses
• Prescribe medications
• Refer to specialists
• Annual check-ups
• Vaccinations
• Chronic disease management
• Minor procedures

Referral system:

• Need GP referral for specialists (private)
• Need GP referral for hospital consultants
• Cannot self-refer (except A&E)
• GP acts as gatekeeper

Appointment times:

• Usually 10-15 minutes
• Book in advance (days to weeks)
• Emergency appointments same day often available
• Out-of-hours service for emergencies

Prescriptions and medications

Prescription costs

Without medical card:

• €70-€100+ per month typical
• Each medication costs €10-€30+
• Some medications very expensive
• Dispensing fee added

Drugs Payment Scheme:

• Pay maximum €80/month per family
• Covers all prescription costs above that
• Must register (free, at pharmacy)
• Applies automatically once registered
• Very valuable if you take multiple medications

With medical card:

• Prescriptions free
• No dispensing fees
• Show card at pharmacy

Over-the-counter:

• Many medications available without prescription
• Pharmacist can advise
• Often cheaper than prescription route
• Paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, etc.

Pharmacies

Widely available:

• Every town has pharmacy
• Multiple in cities
• Some open evenings/weekends
• 24-hour pharmacies in Dublin

Services:

• Dispense prescriptions
• Over-the-counter medications
• Health advice (pharmacists well-trained)
• Blood pressure checks
• Minor ailment consultations
• Flu vaccines

Costs:

• Prescription: €10-€30 per medication + dispensing fee
• OTC: Variable (€5-€20 typical)
• Dispensing fee: ~€5 per prescription

Hospital services

Public hospitals

Inpatient care (staying overnight):

• Free if using public system
• €80/day charge (max €800/year)
• Medical card holders: Free
• Maternity care: Free for all

Outpatient care (clinic visits):

• €100 charge for first visit
• Free if referred by GP
• Medical card holders: Free

Emergency department (A&E):

• €100 charge if not admitted
• Free if admitted as inpatient
• Free if referred by GP
• Medical card holders: Free
• Children: Free

Waiting times (major issue):

• Inpatient surgery: 6-24+ months typical
• Outpatient appointments: 3-12+ months
• A&E: 4-12+ hours (if not emergency)
• Non-urgent cases wait longest

This is why private insurance matters - it dramatically reduces waits.

Private hospitals

Major private hospitals:

• Beacon Hospital (Dublin)
• Mater Private (Dublin)
• Bon Secours (Dublin, Cork, Galway)
• Blackrock Clinic (Dublin)
• Others nationwide

Costs:

• Very expensive without insurance
• €1,000-€5,000+ for procedures
• €200-€400 consultant visits
• Not feasible to pay out-of-pocket generally

With private health insurance:

• Most/all costs covered (depending on plan)
• Small excesses (€100-€200 per day)
• Fast appointments (days/weeks not months)
• Private rooms
• Choice of consultant

Same doctors:

• Many consultants work both public and private
• Public: Free/cheap but wait
• Private: Pay but fast
• Same expertise, different speed

Waiting times reality

Public system waiting times (2025):

Routine procedures:

• Hip replacement: 12-18 months
• Cataract surgery: 12-24 months
• Knee surgery: 12-18 months
• Hernia repair: 6-12 months

Specialist appointments:

• Dermatology: 12-18 months
• Orthopedics: 6-12 months
• ENT: 8-12 months
• Cardiology: 4-8 months

Urgent cases:

• Cancer treatment: Fast-tracked (weeks)
• Heart problems: Fast-tracked
• Emergencies: Immediate
• Life-threatening: Excellent care

Private system (with insurance):

• Specialist appointments: 1-4 weeks
• Procedures: 2-6 weeks
• Dramatic difference in speed
• Same quality of care

This is the primary reason 45% of Irish population has private health insurance.

Private health insurance

Do you need it?

• Not legally required
• Highly recommended if you can afford it
• Consider it essential if over 40
• Younger/healthy people sometimes skip it

What it covers:

• Private hospital care
• Faster access to specialists
• Private consultations
• Diagnostic scans (MRI, CT) without waiting
• Some dental/optical (depending on plan)
• Private maternity care (optional)

What it costs:

• Individual: €1,000-€2,500/year
• Couple: €2,000-€4,000/year
• Family: €3,000-€6,000+/year
• Depends on age, coverage level

Major providers:

• VHI Healthcare (largest, Irish)
• Laya Healthcare (second largest)
• Irish Life Health

For complete comparison of providers and plans, see our private health insurance guide.

Loading system:

• Join before age 35: No loading
• Join after 35: 2% loading per year over 34
• Age 45 joining: 20% loading for life
• Incentivizes joining young

Lifetime community rating:

• Everyone pays similar base rate
• Not underwritten (no medical exam)
• Cannot be refused
• Pre-existing conditions covered (after waiting period)

Maternity care

Public maternity care:

• Completely free
• Includes all prenatal visits
• Hospital birth
• Postnatal care
• Excellent standard

No charge for:

• Consultant appointments
• Hospital stay
• Delivery
• Epidural
• C-section if needed

Public maternity hospitals:

• National Maternity Hospital (Holles St, Dublin)
• Rotunda Hospital (Dublin)
• Coombe Hospital (Dublin)
• Cork University Maternity Hospital
• Others nationwide

Waiting rooms can be busy:

• Public clinics crowded
• Long waits for appointments
• Consultant may change
• Less personal continuity

Private maternity care (optional):

• €3,000-€6,000 total
• Private consultant throughout
• Private room after birth
• More personalized care
• Semi-private/private hospital
• Your choice of consultant

With private health insurance:

• Covers private maternity (depending on plan)
• Must have insurance 52+ weeks before birth
• Some plans don’t cover maternity
• Check before getting pregnant

Maternity leave:

• 26 weeks paid leave (by state)
• Additional 16 weeks unpaid option
• Maternity Benefit: €262/week (2025)
• Protected employment rights

Children’s healthcare

Under 6s:

• Free GP visits (all children)
• Free development checks
• Vaccinations free
• No medical card needed

6-17 years:

• GP visits: €50-€70 (unless medical card)
• School vaccinations: Free
• Hospital care: Free at A&E

Child health services:

• Public health nurses
• Development checks
• School health programs
• Dental care (public clinics, limited)
• All free through HSE

Children’s hospitals:

• Children’s Health Ireland (Dublin)
• Excellent specialist care
• Long waits for non-urgent (like adults)

Mental health services

Public mental health services:

• GP referral required
• Community mental health teams
• Psychiatrist appointments
• Free with medical card
• Long waiting lists (3-12+ months)

Crisis services:

• Emergency psychiatric care available
• Pieta House (suicide prevention): Free
• Samaritans hotline: Free

Private mental health:

• Psychologists: €80-€150/session
• Psychiatrists: €150-€250/session
• Counselors: €60-€100/session
• Faster access (days/weeks)

Some health insurance:

• Covers psychology sessions (limited number)
• Check your plan
• Often 10-20 sessions/year

Finding therapists:

• psychologicalsociety.ie
• irishcouncilforpsychotherapy.ie
• GP can recommend
• Ask for recommendations

Dental care

Not covered by public system (mostly):

• Adults pay for all dental
• Expensive (€50-€200+ per visit)
• Cleaning: €60-€80
• Fillings: €80-€150
• Crowns: €600-€1,200
• Root canal: €400-€800

Medical card holders:

• Limited dental care free
• Extractions, dentures
• Not cosmetic

Children (under 16):

• School dental program (free)
• Limited services
• Long waits

PRSI dental:

• If paying PRSI 2.5+ years
• One free exam + cleaning per year
• One free filling per year
• Register at participating dentist

Private dental insurance:

• Available separately
• €200-€600/year
• Covers portion of costs
• Often worthwhile if need major work

Finding dentist:

• dentalcouncil.ie
• Ask recommendations
• Call to check prices and accepting patients

Vision care

Also not covered by public system:

• Eye tests: €40-€60
• Glasses: €100-€500+
• Contact lenses: €200-€500/year

Medical card holders:

• Eye test free every 2 years
• Glasses provided (basic)

PRSI optical:

• If paying PRSI
• Eye test subsidy every 2 years
• Glasses subsidy
• Small amounts (€50-€100)

Children:

• School eye tests (free)
• Glasses provided if needed (public health)

Health insurance:

• Some plans include dental/optical benefit
• Usually €100-€300/year contribution
• Check your specific plan

Healthcare costs summary

Typical annual costs (without health insurance):

Healthy adult, minimal needs:

• GP visits (2-3/year): €150-€200
• Prescriptions (occasional): €50-€100
• Dental (checkup, cleaning): €120-€160
• Optical (every 2 years): €50-€150
• Total: €400-€600/year

Adult with chronic condition:

• GP visits (6-8/year): €400-€500
• Prescriptions (monthly): €960 (maxed at €80/month via Drugs Payment Scheme)
• Dental: €150
• Optical: €100
• Total: €1,600-€1,700/year

Family (2 adults, 2 children):

• GP (adults only, 4-6 visits): €250-€400
• GP (kids under 6): Free
• GP (kids 6+, 2-4 visits): €100-€200
• Prescriptions: €300-€500
• Dental (family): €400-€600
• Optical: €200-€300
• Total: €1,250-€2,000/year

With private health insurance:

• Add €1,000-€2,500/person/year
• But hospital costs covered
• Faster access to specialists
• Peace of mind

For newcomers: Getting started

First steps when arriving

Week 1:

1. Find a GP accepting patients

   • Ask neighbors, colleagues
   • HSE website
   • May take multiple attempts

2. Register with GP

   • Book appointment
   • Bring ID, proof of address
   • Pay registration fee if required

Week 2-4: 3. Get PPS number (if not already)

• Required for medical card application
• Required for Drugs Payment Scheme
• See our PPS number guide

4. Apply for medical card/GP visit card (if eligible)

   • Check income thresholds
   • Apply online hse.ie
   • Takes 4-6 weeks

5. Register for Drugs Payment Scheme

   • At any pharmacy
   • Brings monthly max to €80
   • Free to register
   • Do immediately if taking medications

6. Consider private health insurance

   • Research plans
   • Compare VHI, Laya, Irish Life Health
   • Join before age 35 if possible (avoid loading)
   • See our insurance comparison

Documents needed

For GP registration:

• Photo ID (passport)
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease)
• PPS number (sometimes)

For medical card:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of address
• Proof of income (payslips, P60)
• PPS number

For health insurance:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of address
• Payment method

Common questions

Is healthcare free in Ireland?

No, not completely. Emergency hospital care is accessible to all, and inpatient hospital care is low-cost (€80/day max). However, GP visits cost €50-€70, prescriptions are expensive, and dental/optical are not covered. Only those with medical cards get free GP visits and prescriptions. About 30% of the population has medical cards, primarily low-income families, elderly, and those with chronic conditions.

Do I need private health insurance?

Not legally, but it’s highly recommended if you can afford it. The public system has very long waiting times for non-emergency procedures (6-24+ months). Private insurance gives you access within weeks, private hospital rooms, and choice of consultant. About 45% of Irish people have it. If you’re young and healthy you might skip it initially, but consider getting it before age 35 to avoid loading charges.

Can I use my foreign health insurance in Ireland?

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from EU countries covers emergency care only. Private travel insurance might cover some costs short-term. US insurance generally doesn’t cover anything in Ireland. If moving here permanently, you need Irish health insurance or use the public system. Don’t rely on foreign insurance.

How do I find a doctor accepting new patients?

Use HSE’s “Find a GP” service at hse.ie, ask colleagues for recommendations, or call practices directly. Many GPs in Dublin aren’t accepting new patients due to shortages. Be persistent—you may need to call 5-10 practices. Consider practices slightly outside city center. Having a medical card sometimes helps (GPs paid extra by government).

What if I need urgent care but it’s not an emergency?

Visit your GP first—many offer same-day emergency appointments. If GP closed and it’s urgent (but not life-threatening), use SouthDoc (out-of-hours GP service, costs €60-€80). If GP and SouthDoc unavailable, minor injury units treat minor issues faster than A&E. Only use A&E for genuine emergencies—you’ll wait 6-12 hours otherwise.

Are prescriptions expensive?

Yes, without a medical card. Each medication costs €10-€30+ plus dispensing fees. If you take multiple medications, register for the Drugs Payment Scheme (free at any pharmacy) which caps monthly costs at €80 per family. Medical card holders get free prescriptions. Many medications available over-the-counter are cheaper than getting a prescription.

How long are hospital waiting lists?

For non-urgent procedures, 6-24+ months typically. Hip replacements, cataract surgery, knee operations—all have year-plus waits. Specialist appointments also take months (6-18 months common). Urgent cases and emergencies are fast-tracked. This is the main reason people get private health insurance—it reduces waits to 2-6 weeks.

What happens in a medical emergency?

Call 999 or 112 (both work). Ambulance is free for genuine emergencies. Go to nearest A&E department. You’ll be triaged—genuine emergencies seen immediately, minor issues wait hours. If admitted, no charge. If treated and released, €100 charge (free with medical card or if referred by GP). Emergency care quality is excellent in Ireland.

Emergency numbers and services

Emergency: 999 or 112

• Ambulance, fire, police
• Free to call
• English spoken
• Give clear location

Non-emergency GP:

• Your registered GP
• Same-day emergency appointments often available
• €50-€70 charge

Out-of-hours GP (evenings/weekends):

• SouthDoc (South): 1850 335 999
• Shannondoc (West): 1850 212 999
• Costs €60-€80
• By phone or visit center

Mental health crisis:

• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
• Pieta House: 1800 247 247 (free, suicide prevention)
• Text HELLO to 50808 (free crisis text line)

Poisons information:

• National Poisons Information Centre: 01 809 2166
• 8am-10pm daily
• After hours: Call emergency

Sexual health:

• STI clinics: Free testing at HSE clinics
• Crisis pregnancy: 1850 49 50 51

Useful resources

HSE (Health Service Executive):

• Website: hse.ie
• Phone: 1800 700 700
• Comprehensive health information

Citizens Information:

• Website: citizensinformation.ie
• Free, independent advice
• Health entitlements explained

Medical card application:

• hse.ie/medicalcard
• Online application
• Check eligibility

Find services:

• Find a GP: hse.ie
• Find a dentist: dentalcouncil.ie
• Find a pharmacy: hse.ie
• Hospitals: hse.ie

Health insurance:

• VHI: vhi.ie / 1850 44 44 44
• Laya: layahealthcare.ie / 1890 700 890
• Irish Life Health: irishlifehealth.ie / 1890 717 717

Health Insurance Authority:

• hia.ie
• Compare health insurance
• Consumer protection

Summary

The Irish healthcare system requires understanding to navigate effectively:

Key points:

1. Two-tier system:

• Public (HSE): Accessible to all, long waits, some costs
• Private: Fast access, expensive without insurance

2. What costs money:

• GP visits: €50-€70 (unless medical card)
• Prescriptions: €10-€30 each (max €80/month with scheme)
• Dental: €50-€200+ per visit
• Optical: €40-€60 eye test, €100-€500 glasses

3. What’s free/low-cost:

• Emergency care (accessible to all)
• Hospital inpatient care (€80/day max)
• Maternity care (completely free)
• Children under 6 (free GP visits)
• Medical card holders (everything free)

4. Medical card:

• Only for low-income
• Makes everything free
• Most professionals don’t qualify

5. Private health insurance:

• Not required but recommended
• 45% of Irish have it
• Dramatically reduces waiting times
• Costs €1,000-€2,500/person/year
• Join before 35 to avoid loading

6. Waiting times:

• Public: 6-24+ months for non-urgent
• Private: 2-6 weeks
• Major issue with public system

7. Getting started:

• Find and register with GP (first priority)
• Apply for medical card if eligible
• Register for Drugs Payment Scheme
• Consider private insurance
• Research takes time

The Irish healthcare system works well for emergencies and acute care, but struggles with waiting times for routine procedures. Understanding the public-private mix and making informed choices about private insurance helps you get the care you need at a cost you can manage.

For related information, see our guides on private health insurance, cost of living, and moving to Ireland for comprehensive relocation advice.