Health Services
The Department of Health and Children have responsibility for the planning of health services in Ireland. Public health services (or Government funded services) are provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE). There are also a range of private health care providers.
Whether or not you are entitled to public health services in Ireland depends on your residency status, whether or not you have met a residency requirement and also your means. In general, you will need to show that you are ordinarily resident in Ireland to have either full or limited eligibility to health services.
How can I find out more about public healthcare in Ireland?
A booklet by the Health Services Executive entitled "Your Health Guide" has some very useful basic information about the Irish Health Service for people who may be new to Ireland or people whose first language is not English.The HSE has made this booklet available on its website in several different languages. You can use the links below to read the booklet.
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| Arabic | Czech | French | Mandarin Chinese |
| Latvian | Lithuanian | Russian | Spanish |
Cairde, a community development organisation provides information and advice to individuals and groups from ethnic minority communities to enable them to access health services. For more information see the health information and advocacy centre section of the Cairde website.
Where can I find more information about private health insurance in Ireland?
You may decide to take out voluntary private health insurance in Ireland. This insurance is used to pay or partially pay for private care in hospitals or from health professionals in hospitals or in their practices.The Health Insurance Authority has a role in providing information and assistance to people wishing to take out private insurance.
How can I find out if I am eligible for a medical card or for a G.P.(Doctor) (Visit) Card, and how can I apply for one?
The Health Services Executive website provides useful information on who is eligible for a medical card and also on how to apply for this card.The Citizen's Information website has general information on medical cards on its website.
