Health cover for temporary visitors in Ireland (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: The EHIC covers medically necessary care from doctors and hospitals in the Irish public health system. It does not cover private care, repatriation or planned treatment. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is the contact body in Ireland.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Health cards acceptedUnplanned care during a temporary visit | EHIC, GHIC [1] |
| What the card coversUnplanned care during a temporary visit | Treatment from doctors contracted to the Health Service Executive's primary care scheme (the public health system), free of charge, with a nominal charge per prescribed item. Necessary hospital treatment, including emergency, carries no charge for EHIC holders. Dialysis, oxygen and chemotherapy must be arranged in advance. [2] |
| Private care coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visit | No [3] |
| Repatriation coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visit | No [3] |
| Planned treatment coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visit | No [3] |
| Body to contactUnplanned care during a temporary visit | Health Service Executive (HSE), HSE Info Line [2] |
Notes
- The Commission country page names the EHIC. The GOV.UK guidance for UK nationals visiting Ireland lists the UK-issued GHIC or EHIC, alongside other documents such as a UK driving licence, as proof of UK residence.
- Only providers that are part of the public system can be used with the card. Your Europe states this for the EHIC in general; the Commission page for Ireland names the doctors contracted to the HSE.
- The Your Europe page states this for the EHIC in general: the card does not cover rescue or repatriation. The Commission page for Ireland states that an ambulance to hospital in an emergency is covered.
Sources
- GOV.UK (UK Government): Healthcare for UK nationals visiting Ireland (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
- European Commission (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion): Ireland - European Health Insurance Card (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
- European Union (Your Europe): Health cover for temporary stays (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.