Healthcare in Dublin is first-rate and the city's hospitals offer quality care and treatment. Ireland's healthcare scheme gives free or subsidised access to expats planning to reside in Ireland for one year or more. Nationals of EU countries have similar benefits.

Usually, a general practitioner first recommends a patient to receive care in a hospital. Patients who are treated at a hospital without a doctor’s referral are charged. Waiting lists for treatment can become long, though, sometimes even for urgent care. This has led many locals and expats to opt to pay for private insurance.

Private medical insurance in Ireland gives expats access to private hospitals and medical facilities with no waiting lists, though expats with overseas insurance should check which hospitals accept their coverage.

Many companies that employ expats in Dublin offer private insurance. In fact, we would recommend that expats keen on private healthcare negotiate for at least a healthcare subsidy with their employer before arriving in Dublin.

Hospitals in Dublin

Beaumont Hospital

Website: www.beaumont.ie
Address: Beaumont Road, Beaumont, Dublin 9

Children's University Hospital

Website: www.cuh.ie
Address: 1 Temple Street, North City, Dublin 1

Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Website: www.mater.ie
Address: Eccles St, Inns Quay, Dublin 7

St James's Hospital

Website: www.stjames.ie
Address: James’s Street, Ushers, Dublin 8

St Luke's Hospital

Website: www.stlukesnetwork.ie
Address: Oakland Drive, Highfield Road, Dublin 6

St Vincent's University Hospital

Website: www.stvincents.ie
Address: Elm Park, Merrion Road, Dublin 4

Further reading

►For more about the Irish healthcare system see Healthcare in Ireland

►For more on housing in the city, see Accommodation in Dublin

Expat Experiences

"My experience regarding healthcare is positive. I have had some problems with my health in the past and the care has been excellent. I can’t complain about the public health system in Ireland. In my view, the main difference between the two healthcare systems is the waiting time to have an appointment." For more, read Alejandra's interview.

Are you an expat living in Dublin?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Dublin. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

Expat Health Insurance

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