EU Cross-Border Care Guide

Confirm you're eligible

You qualify if you are entitled to public health services in Ireland (ordinarily resident). The Cross-Border Directive (CBD) covers treatment in any EU/EEA country that would otherwise be provided publicly in Ireland. It does not cover the UK (Northern Ireland has a separate Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme for certain services).

Get a referral from your GP or consultant

You need a written referral from a medical professional for the specific treatment you want to receive abroad. The referral must describe the condition and the procedure. If you were already on an Irish public waiting list, that counts.

Check whether prior authorisation is required

Prior authorisation is REQUIRED if the treatment involves (a) an overnight stay in hospital, or (b) highly specialised and cost-intensive medical infrastructure or equipment (e.g. radiotherapy, PET/MRI combined imaging, certain surgeries). Outpatient day cases typically do NOT need prior authorisation.

Submit the prior authorisation application

Complete the application form (patient section + medical professional section) and submit it to the HSE CBD National Contact Point BEFORE travelling. Processing takes 15 to 20 working days. Authorisation is specific to the provider and date range you specify.

Arrange and pay for the treatment

You pay the foreign provider directly at the time of treatment — the HSE does not pay upfront. Keep every original receipt, the detailed pro-forma invoice, your referral letter, the medical record of treatment, and proof of payment. Without these you cannot claim reimbursement.

Submit the reimbursement claim on return

Return to Ireland and submit the claim to the HSE CBD office with all documentation. You will be reimbursed the LESSER of (a) what you actually paid abroad, or (b) what the HSE would have paid for the same treatment in the Irish public system. You cover any difference yourself, plus travel and accommodation costs.