If you are an ordinarily resident in Ireland, you are entitled to free or subsidised public health services. Visitors from the EU with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Australia are also entitled to free public health services. Visitors from non-EU countries have to pay to use Ireland’s health services.

You can use a public hospital in Ireland in the following circumstances:

• In an emergency

If you or someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life is at risk, call 112 or 999 for an ambulance. If you are in an emergency, contact the GP. If your GP can’t help you, they will refer you to the Emergency Departments (EDs) of your nearest hospital. A GP referral letter may also help you avoid the Emergency Department attendance charge if you don’t have a Medical Card.

• To see a specialist

Your GP will refer you to a specialist in a public hospital if you require specialist care. You may have to wait a long time before the specialist is able to provide you with an appointment.

• To get a test, scan or check-up done

If you need a test, scan, check-up or X-ray, you may need to go to a public hospital to have it done. Your GP will refer you if this is the case.