Ireland (IE)

Ireland uses a GP registration system — you must register with a GP practice before you can see that doctor. GPs (General Practitioners) are independent contractors who refer patients to public or private hospitals and specialists. GP lists in Dublin and major cities are full — start searching immediately on arrival. Without a GP, your primary care option is a walk-in clinic (more expensive). Most GPs are private (fee-paying) unless you have a Medical Card or GP Visit Card. DocParrot, Pushdoctor, and Livi offer online GP consultations for convenience.

GP referral required for most specialist consultations in the public system (outpatient). In the private system, you can self-refer to a specialist but your insurer may require a GP referral for reimbursement. Public outpatient waiting lists are very long (months to years in many specialties). Private specialist appointments often available within days to weeks.

Emergency departments (A&E) at public hospitals are free for Medical Card holders and EHIC holders. A €100 levy applies for self-referred non-urgent attendances without a card. Emergency care is provided regardless of ability to pay. Call 999/112 for life-threatening emergencies.

The GP out-of-hours service provides urgent but non-emergency GP care outside regular hours. Main providers: Caredoc (Leinster/Munster), NowDoc (Connacht/Ulster). Call your GP practice's out-of-hours number or check hse.ie. For out-of-hours dental emergency: contact your usual dental practice or search hse.ie for emergency dental services.

All prescriptions must be from a registered Irish doctor. DAFM regulates pharmaceutical dispensing. Pharmacies (chemists) are widespread. Medical Card holders pay €1.50/item (max €15/month per person). DPS card (available free from any pharmacy) caps prescription costs at €80/month for all household members. Common medications requiring prescription in the UK (e.g., the morning-after pill, certain antibiotics) may differ in Ireland.

Limited public dental care (PRSI dental benefit, Medical Card emergency dental). Most dental care in Ireland is private and expensive. Routine dental check-up: €50–€100. Routine filling: €80–€150. Orthodontics: €3,000–€7,000. PRSI contributors are entitled to one free dental examination per year under PRSI dental benefit — check entitlements at mywelfare.ie. Private dental insurance add-ons available from health insurers.

Public mental health services are severely underfunded and oversubscribed in Ireland. Community mental health teams (via HSE) exist but wait times are very long. CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) has widely publicised waiting list crises. Private psychologists: €80–€150/session. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) provided by many employers offer free short-term counselling. Free resources: Samaritans (116 123), Pieta House (116 123), Aware (depression support).

Maternity care in public hospitals is free under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme for resident women. Combined care model: GP sees woman during pregnancy and postnatal, referred to maternity hospital for hospital care. National maternity hospitals: Holles Street, Rotunda, and Coombe (Dublin); UHG (Galway); Cork University Maternity Hospital. Private maternity: semi-private or private rooms, own consultant throughout. Maternity Benefit from DSP: €289/week for 26 weeks.