Ireland is a member of the European Union, attracting expatriates not only because of its warm welcome, but also because of its dynamic economy with a variety of fast-growing industries. More and more young people are choosing Ireland to build their professional careers.
If you too want to live and work in Ireland, it’s important not to forget your health cover. Here’s how the Irish healthcare system works.
Access to care
Despite the good performance and quality of care in Ireland, there can be long waits in public hospitals, often caused by staff shortages. It should also be noted that medical care in private hospitals can be very expensive.
Depending on your expatriation situation, you may be eligible for social security coverage in your home country if it is a member of the European Union. This means that you will be entitled to social security cover for accidents or emergencies, as in your home country, but for consultations with general practitioners/specialists, or for dental or optical care, you will have to pay in advance. Reimbursement will also be on the same terms as in your home country, so if costs are higher in Ireland, you won’t be reimbursed the difference.
Irish social security card
As an expatriate, you’ll be eligible for the Irish social security card, but the waiting time to qualify is long. In fact, you’ll have to wait a full year before you’re considered “ordinarily resident”, and then you’ll be entitled to health cover like the Irish, but additional private cover is recommended to make up for any gaps in the system.
Expatriate health insurance
To avoid unpleasant surprises and long waits, we strongly advise you to take out expatriate health insurance. These insurances will cover you not only in Ireland but worldwide, and it is also possible to choose one in addition to the Caisse des Français à l’étranger (CFE). Additional cover, such as repatriation assistance and maternity, will also contribute to your peace of mind during your expatriation.
Mondassur has developed health cover to meet the needs of expatriates in all situations.
