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Healthcare in Ireland: cost & waiting times

Mixed public / private

A mixed system. Everyone can use public hospitals but most people pay subsidised fees unless they hold a Medical Card or GP Visit Card. Many buy private health insurance to cut waiting times.

Emergency number: 112 (or 999)

How residents get care

1. Choose a GP — GPs are private businesses. A standard consultation is roughly €50–70 unless you have a Medical/GP Visit Card.
2. Apply for a Medical Card if eligible — Means-tested; covers GP visits, prescriptions (small charge per item) and public hospital care.
3. Specialist care — Via GP referral. Public waiting lists can be long; the NTPF publishes them.

Official waiting-time source

The Sláintecare target is 10 weeks outpatient and 12 weeks for procedures; long waits are common in practice.

National Treatment Purchase Fund ↗

Milestone	Reference
Outpatient appointment (target)	70 days (~10w)
Inpatient / day case (target)	84 days (~12w)

Typical private costs

Typical self-pay prices — for an exact figure use the official links above or ask a clinic for a written quote.

Item	Typical range
GP visit (no card)	€50–€75
Private consultant visit	€150–€250
Private MRI	€250–€450

Prescriptions

Drugs Payment Scheme caps household prescription costs at €80 per month. Medical Card holders pay €1.50 per item (capped monthly).

Visiting Ireland?

EU/EEA/Swiss visitors with an EHIC get necessary public care. Emergency department charge is €100 (waived with a GP referral letter or EHIC in some cases).

Official links

• HSE — find a service ↗
• NTPF — public hospital waiting lists ↗

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