Health system
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national and are travelling or staying in Ireland you are entitled to receive free maintenance and treatment in public beds in Health Service Executive (HSE) and voluntary hospitals should you become ill or have an accident.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) makes it easier for you to get medical care quickly and easily. It is evidence that you are part of a health insurance scheme administered by another state in the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
Out-patient services in public hospitals are also free of charge but some people may have to pay an initial charge if they have not been referred by a Doctor (GP-General Practitioner). If you are in a private hospital or in a private bed in a public hospital, you must pay for both maintenance and treatment. If you have private health insurance it may cover some or all of the costs.
For further information on hospital services in Ireland have a look at Citizens Information citizensinformation.ie website.