Ireland is the only EU country to share a land border with part of the UK, and we have many close ties with our Irish neighbours. It is only a century since all of Ireland was part of the UK, and some rules regarding UK citizens entering Ireland are different than going to France or Spain – you don’t need a passport to cross the border into the Irish Republic, for example. Many UK residents travel to the Irish Republic regularly, to visit friends or family, or business or on holiday. But what happens if you fall ill in Ireland and need to see the doctor?

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland

We quite often refer to the Republic of Ireland as just Ireland, and with a troubled history the people who live on the island of Ireland refer to their country in different ways depending on their political and religious feelings. However you choose to refer to it, Northern Ireland is part of the UK, and has NHS hospitals and doctors just as there are in England, Wales or Scotland. If you fall ill in Belfast or any other part of Northern Ireland you don’t need to worry about EHIC at all – just turn up and be treated as you would at home. South of the border, in the Irish Republic the situation is slightly different.

Irish Healthcare System

One of the benefits of the close ties between the UK and Ireland means that UK citizens can access healthcare in Ireland free of charge, and Irish residents can use the NHS when in the UK. This agreement only extends to the state healthcare system, and you won’t be able to get treatment in a private hospital or clinic. You shouldn’t be asked to show your EHIC to get treatment in Ireland, but may be asked to prove that you are resident in the UK by showing a passport, driving licence or something with your National Insurance number on it. People from other European countries cannot take advantage of this special relationship between the UK and Ireland, and will need to show their EHIC documents issued by their home country before being treated in Ireland. Dental treatment is provided to UK residents in emergencies only so get advice before agreeing to go ahead with any treatment as this may be expensive.

Ongoing Medical Treatment

One of the main benefits of EHIC is that people who have pre-existing or chronic medical conditions can arrange to be treated in the EU if they are visiting temporarily. If you require bottled oxygen or kidney dialysis this can be provided, but you should do your research before leaving home and make arrangements with a hospital local to where you will be staying.  Try to make your stay easier by taking enough medication with you for the entire trip, as if you run out you will find that items which are prescription only in the UK are likely to be the same in Ireland.