Expats can qualify for international health insurance in Ireland, which usually gives them extra benefits over choosing a local provider. International health insurance can give you coverage wherever you go, often offering a wider package. Access high-quality facilities and extra coverage, such as dental services and virtual support.

If you’re visiting Ireland with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you may already have access to free healthcare services. The EHIC card can offer subsidised and free healthcare if you’re travelling or staying temporarily within the EU, though you’ll need to carry it with you at all times. The EHIC doesn’t cover private healthcare, so if you’d rather use private services, international health insurance may be a better option.

Ireland offers a very high standard of healthcare for residents, students, and expats. Everyone can access public health services, although some people may need to pay to visit a doctor or the hospital. There are various state benefits available if you or your household qualify.

If you’re visiting Ireland temporarily as a UK resident, you can access ‘necessary healthcare’ from public health services. This also means you may need to pay for services you might normally expect to be free on the NHS. This isn’t a replacement for insurance, so make sure to stay covered while abroad. If you’re from the UK but now live in Ireland, you are entitled to public healthcare if you are ‘ordinarily resident’ there.