How Irish healthcare works
Ireland has a mixed public-private health system. Public healthcare is delivered by the HSE (Health Service Executive): public hospitals, GP (family doctor) services and community care. It is heavily subsidised but not free at the point of use for everyone — charges apply unless you qualify for a medical card, which covers GP visits, public hospital care and prescribed medicines. In 2026 the medical card is means-tested: a single person under 66 with weekly income under about €184, or a couple under about €266, typically qualifies (limits are higher for over-70s and families with children). The GP visit card covers GP visits only and has much higher income limits — children under 8 get GP visit cards free of charge.
What you pay without a medical card
Without a card, a GP visit typically costs €50-€80. Public hospital care: an emergency department visit costs €100, and an inpatient stay costs €80 per night, capped at €800 in any 12-month period — so a long hospital stay never costs more than €800 a year. Maternity care under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme is free (GP visits and public hospital maternity care) regardless of card status. Prescribed medicines are subsidised under the Drugs Payment Scheme: in 2026 no household pays more than €80 per calendar month for approved prescribed medicines.
Registering with a GP
Your first healthcare task after arriving should be registering with a local GP practice. GP practices in Ireland are independent businesses; most accept new patients but some areas (especially Dublin commuter towns) have waiting lists, so register early. You can find GPs through the HSE website (hse.ie) or by asking neighbours and colleagues. Bring your PPS number, ID and, if you have one, your EHIC/UK GHIC card — EHIC holders from the EU/EEA and UK GHIC holders are entitled to medically necessary public treatment while visiting, though once you become resident you should register for Irish services and consider private insurance.
Private health insurance
About 45% of the population has private health insurance, mainly through VHI, Laya Healthcare or Irish Life Health. Policies are 'community rated' — the same base price applies regardless of health status — but premiums rise steeply with age (a policy costing €1,500-€2,500 a year for a 40-year-old can cost €4,000+ at 65). All policies get 20% tax relief at source on premiums (tapered for the most expensive plans). Private insurance mainly buys faster access to private hospitals and consultants; it is not required for public hospital care. If you are moving for work, check whether your employer offers a group scheme — these are usually significantly cheaper.
Emergencies and pharmacies
In an emergency, call 112 or 999 (free from any phone). Pharmacies (chemists) are widespread and can advise on minor illnesses; many open late in cities. Some medicines that are prescription-only in other countries are available over the counter in Ireland (and vice versa), so bring enough of any regular medication for your first month and a letter from your doctor describing it. The HSE Live phone service (1800 700 700) provides health advice, and GP out-of-hours services operate in every county.
Action steps
- Register with a GP practice in your first week.
- Apply for a medical card or GP visit card if your income qualifies — apply online at mywelfare.ie.
- Check your vaccination records (Irish childhood vaccination schedule differs from some countries) and register any children with a GP.
- If you have a chronic condition, bring a summary letter from your current doctor and arrange a private health policy if you want one.
Children's health services
Children are well covered by the Irish system. GP visit cards are free for children under 8, and the HSE childhood immunisation programme covers the standard vaccines (including MMR, HPV and the school-age boosters) free of charge — register your child with a GP to access the schedule. Public health nurses visit new mothers at home, and developmental checks happen at set ages. If your child has additional needs, the AON (Assessment of Need) process under the Disability Act provides assessments and services through the HSE, and the Domiciliary Care Allowance (€380 a month in 2026) supports families of children with severe disabilities. Dental check-ups for children under 16 are free through the public scheme (limited to basic care).
Mental health and everyday care
Mental health services are free at the point of use through the HSE, but waiting lists for public psychology and counselling can be long; many people use private counselling (€50-€90 per session) while waiting. GP practices increasingly employ counsellors. In a crisis, call Samaritans (116 123, free) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. For everyday care, pharmacies can treat minor conditions and many now offer vaccination services (flu and COVID jabs are free for over-60s and at-risk groups). If you take regular medication, note that some brands differ between countries — bring a doctor's letter and enough supply for your first month, and check with your Irish GP whether the same medicine is prescribed here under its Irish brand name.