Cross-Border Health FAQs

Brexit Update: The EU Healthcare Directive has been replaced by the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme for patients travelling from the Republic of Ireland. Read our frequently asked questions to learn about the Cross Border Healthcare, waiting lists and travel costs etc.

Cross-Border Patients

What is the NI Planned Healthcare Scheme?

UK/ROI legislation means that patients in the Republic of Ireland have the right to receive medical treatment in Northern Ireland and skip the HSE waiting list and patients in Northern Ireland can access medical treatment in Republic of Ireland and skip the NHS waiting list. The HSE will pay the bill for Republic of Ireland patients, while the NHS will pay the bill for Northern Ireland patients.

Do you provide assistance in completing HSE forms for treatment reimbursement under the Cross-border Health Scheme?

Our dedicated One2One team will be there every step of the way for Cross-Border patients and will assist in the completion of HSE forms and explain the process in full.

Who can qualify for the NI Planned Healthcare Scheme?

Treatment is only available to Irish and Northern Irish residents who qualify for public health care. You are unable ’ot get NI Planned Healthcare Scheme treatment if you’re a private patient in Ireland.

Having private health insurance does not exclude you from NI Planned Healthcare Scheme. But you cannot use your private health insurance to access your referral for healthcare abroad.

Only a GP or a consultant you are attending in a public capacity can refer you for Cross Border treatment.

You cannot use telemedicine, for example an outpatient consultation abroad by Skype or video, at any time during the NI Planned Healthcare Scheme process.

You do NOT need to be on a waiting list to become eligible for this scheme, it is open to any citizen.

What types of healthcare are covered under the NI Planned Healthcare Scheme?

You can get healthcare in Northern Ireland if you qualify for that healthcare as a public patient in Ireland.

Your GP or consultant can tell you if the healthcare you want to get abroad is publicly available in Ireland and if you qualify for it.

There is no list of specific healthcare you can get abroad under NI Planned Healthcare Scheme..

Generally, if the healthcare is available publicly in Ireland, you can be referred for the same healthcare abroad. But there is some specific healthcare that are not covered by the scheme.

What types of healthcare are NOT covered under the NI Planned Healthcare Scheme?

organ transplants
any long-term care that helps people do everyday tasks such as nursing home care
vaccination against infectious diseases
clinical trials
drug therapies that aren't currently provided publicly in Ireland

Do I need to be on a waiting list?

No. The cross-border health scheme is open to any person that would be entitled to treatment in an Irish or Northern Irish hospital.

How much will I be reimbursed after receiving a treatment abroad?

Patients will be reimbursed the same amount as they would receive in their own country for the same type of healthcare. If the treatment abroad is cheaper than in the home country, the reimbursement will reflect the real price of the treatment.

How will I know what the costs for my treatment would be in an Irish hospital?

Our dedicated Cross-Border Healthcare Team will be available to advise on what treatments are covered, treatment costs and the reimbursement amount. They will guide you through the simple steps involved to start the process to get you treated quickly and conveniently at our Belfast hospital for Republic of Irelnad patients and at our Sligo hospital for Northern Ireland patients and will liaise with the respective Health Services on your behalf.

Phone 048 9068 8858 today to speak to our One2One Patient Advisor, at Belfast’s Kingsbridge Private Hospital, who will talk you through what’s involved to get you off the waiting list and get your treatment started. Alternatively, email crossborder@kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com for more information or to arrange a call-back.

What about “after-care”?

Depending on your treatment you will be advised on the after-care program.

Do I have to tell my G.P?

Although going abroad for medical treatment is your choice and decision, it is a good idea to inform your G.P. of your proposed treatment. Your G.P. may be a point of contact with the after-care in which you receive when you return home.