British citizens moving to Ireland can access public healthcare once they are ordinarily resident, but services are not fully free and waiting times can be long. This guide covers how entitlements work, what the Medical Card and GP Visit Card cover and when private health insurance can speed up diagnostics or treatment helps you plan costs and care before you relocate.
Moving to Ireland from the UK comes with unique benefits under the Common Travel Area, including access to public healthcare. However, the Irish healthcare system works slightly differently to the NHS.
Understanding what British citizens are entitled to when living in Ireland, how costs and waiting times work, and when to consider private health insurance can help you plan with confidence.
The information in this guide is for general information only. It does not constitute personal medical advice.
Much like in the UK, Ireland operates a mixed healthcare system. Public healthcare is delivered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and funded through general taxation. Unlike the NHS, public services are not always free at the point of use and charges often apply unless you hold certain medical entitlements.
Private healthcare is widely used to supplement public services, particularly where faster access or private hospital facilities are preferred.
British citizens who become ordinarily resident in Ireland are entitled to access public healthcare services on the same basis as Irish residents. Ordinary residence generally means you intend to live in Ireland for at least one year.
Once resident, you can access:
Those visiting Ireland short-term are entitled to necessary urgent healthcare, but not elective or planned care and charges may still apply.
Important: NHS-style free access is not automatic. Ireland applies fees for many services unless you meet eligibility criteria.
Although public services are accessible, many British movers are surprised by out-of-pocket costs and longer waiting lists for specialist care.
Examples include:
Private health insurance is widely used by Irish residents to access faster treatment and private facilities.
Once you become ordinarily resident in Ireland, you may be eligible for additional support with healthcare costs.
Eligibility for these schemes is not based on nationality. British citizens are assessed in the same way as Irish nationals.
Provides free GP visits, public hospital treatment, and subsidised prescriptions. Most people qualify through means testing, although the HSE may award a card on discretionary or medical grounds in some cases.
Covers the cost of GP appointments only. It is available to people who do not qualify for a Medical Card but have income below a higher threshold. Children under six and people over 70 receive a GP Visit Card automatically.
To access either card, you must be ordinarily resident and provide relevant evidence. Applications are made through the HSE: https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/gp-visit-cards/gp-visit-cards/
Prescriptions are not fully covered under the public system unless you have a Medical Card. Instead, you may benefit from the Drugs Payment Scheme, which caps prescription costs per household per month, currently the monthly cap is €80 per household.
If visiting Ireland temporarily, UK prescriptions are not automatically accepted. Bring required medication and documentation.
You can find out more here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/drugs-payment-scheme/card/
Emergency healthcare is available to everyone, but charges may apply if you are not admitted. Travel insurance remains important for short-term visitors or those not yet registered as ordinarily resident.
To register for public healthcare once you relocate:
Private health insurance can provide quicker access to diagnostics, specialists and surgery, and can cover private hospital stays.
It is particularly valuable if you:
Many residents use a combination of public and private services.
If you are ordinarily resident in Ireland, you can access public healthcare on the same basis as Irish residents. This includes GP and hospital services, emergency care, public maternity services and access to support schemes where eligible. Charges may still apply unless you qualify for a Medical Card or GP Visit Card.
Ordinary residence means you are living in Ireland and intend to remain for at least one year. You will usually need to show evidence such as a lease, home purchase or employment to demonstrate your intent to stay.
The Medical Card is means tested and provides free GP visits, public hospital treatment and prescription supports. Some people may receive a card on discretionary or medical grounds. Eligibility is based on your circumstances as an ordinarily resident person in Ireland, not your nationality.
A GP Visit Card covers free GP appointments only. It is available to people who do not qualify for a Medical Card but have income below a higher threshold. Children under six and people aged over 70 are entitled to a GP Visit Card without a means test.
Not for everyone. Many people pay for GP visits and some hospital services unless they hold a Medical Card or GP Visit Card. Public waiting times can also be long, which is why many residents choose private health insurance to access faster diagnostics and treatment.
Necessary urgent care is available, but you may be charged and you are not entitled to planned or elective treatment. Travel insurance is recommended for short stays or while you are not yet ordinarily resident.
Consider private cover if you want faster access to diagnostics or specialist care, prefer private facilities, need cover before you become ordinarily resident, require elective procedures without long waits or want international benefits for travel between countries.
