IRELAND | Emergency | Cultural information
Healthcare in Ireland
Everyone is entitled to health care in Ireland, and this is partly funded by your PRSI (social security) contributions. Eight Regional Health Boards administer the health service. There are two categories of entitlement to public health care: the full range of medical services at no cost, or certain services free with the remainder to be paid for. In addition, there are several schemes to help defray the cost
You will also be entitled to the following services, provided you are an EU national or ordinarily resident in Ireland:
- All in-patient public hospital services in public wards, including consultant services, subject to certain charges. There is a daily charge for public hospital accommodation, up to a maximum limit in any consecutive 12 months.
- All other out-patient hospital services, including consultants.
- Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments. If your doctor refers you, there is no charge. Otherwise there is a charge.
- Maternity and Infant care services including the services of a GP during pregnancy and for up to six weeks after the birth.
What you can buy without a doctor's prescription
The following are available in pharmacies and in supermarkets without prescription:
- basic analgesia (pain killers) e.g. aspirin, paracetamol, Solpadeine, Maxilief
- anti-histamines e.g. clarityn, piriton
- codeine based cough bottles e.g. Benilyn
- bandages, dressings, plasters, bandaids ...
- creams e.g. Sudocream, Salvlon (antiseptic)
Doctors Surgeries
You may visit the doctor of your choice in Ireland. If you need to see a doctor, you should have a friend or colleague recommend one. You will find a list of General Practitioners (GP's) in the "Golden Pages" directory or the phone book:
Visits to the doctor are usually by appointment.