Every citizen in Ireland is entitled to some extent of public healthcare coverage, ensuring they can access care and support whenever they need it. Moreover, getting health insurance can be key to adding more convenience and reducing wait time whenever availing healthcare services in Ireland. Here’s everything you need to know about investing in health insurance in Ireland:
Why Get Private Health Insurance In Ireland?
Private health insurance brings private healthcare services closer, making them more accessible. This accessibility includes quicker specialist appointments and access to treatments not available in the public healthcare system, as well as reducing the waiting time for surgeries or medical procedures.
Aside from these, patients can use private rooms to recover from their surgical process. To ensure your private insurance covers this, make sure to compare plans on websites like Cornmarket to make the right decision for yourself and your loved ones.
3 Common Forms of Health Insurance Available In Ireland
Here are some of the commonly available insurance options in Ireland to know about:
- The Medical Card
The eligibility to get the medical card depends on the circumstances of the insurance seeker. With this, you will not have to pay to visit your GP. The medicines they will prescribe are also covered under the medical card. Aside from this, the card will also cover eye and ear tests, dental check-ups, and any public out-patient and in-patient services.
Who Can Apply For The Medical Card?
Any person living in the Republic of Ireland and planning to live in the country for at least one year is eligible to apply for the medical card. However, there are certain eligibility criteria involved that may govern the issuing of the card. In case you do not qualify for the card automatically, here are the information to keep handy for assessment purposes:
- Proof of income of the household.
- Monthly expenses that go into running and maintaining the household.
- The number of dependents you have.
- Your marital status.
- The GP Visit Card
If you are found to be not eligible for the medical card, you will most likely be assessed for a GP visit card to ensure you have access to healthcare. The visit to the GP is covered; however, hospital care or other services will not be covered by the card.
Care Services That Are Covered By The GP Visit Card:
- Out-of-hours visits to the GP.
- Blood tests are conducted with the intention to diagnose or monitor a condition.
- Public Healthcare Coverage Without A Card
If you do not have healthcare coverage, you will have to pay for medical costs, including visits to the GP, emergency care, and prescribed medication. However, these charges are priced at subsidised rates. The visits to GPs can be expensive, and if you are recommended to get operated for a health condition, the public healthcare system should ideally cover them.
Private Insurance: Point Of Difference
The state of healthcare in Ireland has been made fair and accessible for everyone. However, most people opt for private health coverage due to its convenience and peace of mind. Whether it’s from getting a private room to recover from surgery or getting GP appointments faster, there are benefits worth considering and weighing against currently available choices.
