European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Ireland

At CompareInsuranceIreland.ie, we help people across Ireland understand how to protect themselves when travelling abroad. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is an important document that can give you access to public healthcare while visiting another EU or EEA country. Below is a clear and practical guide for Irish residents and visitors.

What is the European Health Insurance Card?

The European Health Insurance Card, often called the EHIC, allows you to get medical treatment for free or at a reduced cost in public healthcare systems across the EU and EEA. You can use it when:

• You are going on holiday in another EU country
• You are staying abroad for less than three months
• You are studying abroad for the academic year

How to Apply for an EHIC in Ireland

You can apply for a European Health Insurance Card if you live in Ireland and plan to stay here for at least a year. There are a few simple ways to apply:

• Visit your local health office in person. Find a list of local health offices on the HSE website.
• Apply online if you already hold a Medical Card or a Drugs Payment Scheme Card.
• Apply by post by sending your completed EHIC application form to your local health office.

Once you submit your application, your EHIC usually arrives within ten working days. If you need it urgently, visit your local office for a temporary certificate.

Applying for Your Family

Each person in your family must have their own European Health Insurance Card. Parents or guardians should apply on behalf of children under 16. Your partner will also need to complete a separate application.

Using Your EHIC Abroad

If you are abroad and need medical treatment, present your European Health Insurance Card at the hospital or clinic. Every country handles EHIC use differently. In some places, even though healthcare is free in Ireland, you might have to pay a small contribution. You can check the European Commission website for details on how the card works in each country. Please note that your EHIC cannot be used in the United Kingdom. Always remember that an EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance when travelling abroad.

What is a Patient Co Payment?

Some countries require you to pay a portion of the medical costs when you receive treatment. This is called a co payment or patient share. The EHIC does not reimburse this amount, so it is worth checking the rules before you travel.

Using an EHIC in Ireland

If you are visiting Ireland from another EU or EEA country and hold a valid European Health Insurance Card, you are entitled to necessary public healthcare services free of charge. This only applies through public healthcare channels, not private clinics.

What to Do in an Emergency

Call 999 or 112 in an emergency. If you hold an EHIC, you will not be charged for emergency hospital treatment provided through the public healthcare system.

Seeing a Doctor in Ireland

If you need to see a GP while visiting Ireland, choose one who is part of the Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme (PCRS). With your EHIC, you can receive free public treatment from these doctors.

• Contact the GP’s office to confirm their opening hours and after-hours arrangements.
• If you need medication, the GP will provide a prescription. There is a €1.50 charge per item, up to a maximum of €15 per month per person.
• If you need to see a specialist, your GP will refer you.

Tip: Always tell the GP that you wish to be treated as a public patient and that you have a European Health Insurance Card. Some doctors operate private practices and may not accept EHIC reimbursement, so it is best to confirm this before your visit.

Seeing a Dentist

If you require emergency dental treatment while visiting Ireland, you may be able to receive care at a public HSE Dental Clinic. This is limited to urgent dental issues such as pain, infection, or injury. Routine check-ups and cosmetic care are not covered under the EHIC.

• Contact your local HSE health office to find out which clinics are available in your area.
• The EHIC only covers medically necessary care during your temporary stay.
• Availability can vary, and some clinics may have waiting lists.

Do I Still Need Travel Insurance?

The European Health Insurance Card is very useful, but it does not replace a travel insurance policy. The EHIC only covers access to public healthcare in EU and EEA countries. It does not include private hospital care, emergency repatriation, cancellations, or lost baggage.

A travel insurance policy provides wider protection, covering medical emergencies, private healthcare, and travel-related risks worldwide. The best approach is to carry both your EHIC and a comprehensive travel insurance policy before travelling.

Best Practice: Bring both. Your EHIC helps you access public healthcare in Europe, while travel insurance provides financial protection against unexpected events. You can compare travel insurance quotes easily at CompareInsuranceIreland.ie to find great-value cover before your next trip.

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