Expat Insurance Services in Ireland

Ireland has public health insurance which is available to all residents whether Irish citizens or foreigners, working or not. The only other country in the European Union that does this much besides Ireland is the United Kingdom. The amount of coverage is full for those with lower income and retirees, but for most others in Ireland it does not include things such as prescriptions or dentistry. Those with full public health coverage, approximately around 36 percent of the populace, receive a medical card.

 

The quality of health care in Ireland is very high. Around half the population in Ireland takes out supplemental private health insurance from one of the country's three private health insurers, obtaining private health insurance reduces waiting times, increases availability of private and high tech facilities, and offers additional coverage in the areas not covered by public insurance.

 

Public dental insurance is full coverage for medical card holders and people who have contributed a set amount of income withholding to public health, as well as all children in Ireland. None of the three private health insurance companies cover dental treatment for other Irish residents, although it may be possible to get extended dental coverage from a non-Irish private health insurer.