It must be:
- medically necessary care that can’t wait till you get home
- within 12 months after you arrive.
You’ll still need to pay a fee for each service.
What’s covered
It covers:
- care as a public patient in a public hospital
- maternity care
- part of the cost of prescription medicines if you spend over a set amount in 1 month.
What it doesn’t cover
It doesn’t cover:
- accommodation as a private patient in a private or public hospital
- care as a private patient - this includes as a private patient in a public hospital
- prescription medicines below a set amount in 1 month
- anything you arranged before you got to Ireland
- visits to a GP.
Your travel insurance may cover some of these and other extra costs.
What to do
When you go to get health care:
- show your passport and your valid Medicare card
- pay the fee for the non-free part of the cost.
Keep all your receipts for medicines.
Read how to prove you’re eligible.
Where to find out more
Read about entitlement to health services on the Citizens Information website.