Medicine & Veterinary Ireland

Public Health Service

 

The public health service offers healthcare services to all residents of Ireland. However, access to free or subsidized services depends on income level and other factors. The main categories of public health cards are:

 

- Medical Card: Holders of this card are entitled to free medical services, including visits to general practitioners, inpatient treatments, and some other services. Eligibility for the card is determined based on income assessment and other criteria.

 

- GP Visit Card: This card grants the right to free visits to general practitioners but does not cover other medical expenses. The eligibility criteria are less strict compared to the Medical Card. 

 

Private Health Insurance

 

Many residents of Ireland opt for private health insurance to enhance the range of medical services and reduce waiting times. The main private insurance companies include:

 

Vhi Healthcare: The largest private health insurance company in Ireland, offering a variety of insurance plans, including dental and travel insurance.

 

Laya Healthcare and Irish Life Health: Other significant players in the private health insurance market, providing a variety of plans and services.

 

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

 

Citizens of European Union countries residing in Ireland can use their EHIC to receive necessary medical care in other EU countries under the same conditions as local residents. However, EHIC does not replace private health insurance and does not cover all medical expenses.

 

Insurance for Immigrants and Temporary Residents

 

Foreign nationals residing in Ireland can obtain private health insurance to cover medical expenses. Some employers offer corporate insurance plans to their employees. Students and other temporary residents are often required to have health insurance as per visa conditions.

 

It is important to note that the cost and coverage of health insurance in Ireland can vary significantly depending on the chosen plan and insurance company. It is advisable to carefully review the available options and choose the most suitable plan based on individual needs and financial capabilities.

Public Medical Institutions

 

The Health Service Executive (HSE) of Ireland manages a network of hospitals and clinics providing healthcare services to the country's residents. Main types of institutions include:

 

- Hospitals: Provide emergency and elective medical care. Examples: Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin and University Hospital Galway.

 

- Primary Care Clinics: Family doctors (general practitioners) work here, whom you should contact at the first sign of illness; they refer patients to specialists.

 

Private Medical Institutions

 

Private clinics and hospitals offer shorter waiting times and an extended range of services. Some of these include:

 

Blackrock Clinic: Located in Dublin, it provides a wide range of medical services and is accredited by the Joint Commission International.

 

Bon Secours Health System: The largest private hospital network in Ireland with branches in Cork, Dublin, Galway, and Tralee.

 

Beacon Hospital: A modern private hospital in Dublin offering a wide range of medical services.

 

Note: Access to free or subsidized healthcare services depends on your residency status and the availability of a medical card. It is recommended to review the conditions for obtaining medical assistance on the official Health Service Executive website.

Registering with a Family Doctor 

 

A family doctor is the first link in Ireland's healthcare system, providing primary medical care and referring patients to specialists.

 

Search: You can find the nearest family doctor through local medical centers or online resources, such as (https://healthconnect.ie/find-a-service/general-practitioner/).

 

Registration: Contact the selected doctor via phone or email to inquire about registration possibilities. Some doctors may have limited availability for new patients, so it is advisable to reach out to several clinics.

 

Documents: Typically, you will need to provide identification and proof of address when registering.

 

Booking a Specialist Appointment

 

Getting a referral: After consultation, the family doctor will issue a referral to a specialist if necessary.

 

Booking an appointment: With the referral, you can book an appointment with a specialist at a public or private clinic. Public institutions may have waiting lists, while private clinics usually offer shorter waiting times, but services are fee-based.

 

Online Consultations

 

Online consultations are becoming increasingly popular in Ireland.

 

Family Doctors: Many family doctors offer online consultations via video call or phone. Check this option during registration.

 

- Specialists: Some private clinics and platforms offer online consultations with specialists.

Emergency Services Call

 

In case of an emergency situation, you should dial 112 or 999 to call for an ambulance, police, or fire service. These numbers are free and available 24/7.

 

National Ambulance Service: Responsible for providing pre-hospital care and transporting patients to medical facilities. Ambulance crews consist of qualified paramedics who provide necessary medical assistance on site and during transport.

 

Emergency Departments

 

Designed for treating patients with serious or life-threatening conditions, such as serious injuries, heart attacks, or strokes.

 

Priority: Patients are attended to based on the severity of their condition. This means less serious cases may wait longer.

 

Local Injury Units

 

Designed for treating less serious injuries, such as minor fractures, dislocations, cuts, and burns.

 

Availability: Patients can attend injury units without a referral from a family doctor, but opening hours and available services may vary by region.

 

Air Emergency Medical Service

 

Provides rapid transport for patients from remote or hard-to-access areas to specialized medical facilities using helicopters.

 

Service Costs

 

Public Services: Medical Card holders are entitled to free use of most emergency services. Other patients may incur certain charges, such as visiting the emergency department without a referral from a family doctor.

 

Private Services: Private medical institutions and emergency services offer services on a fee basis, and the cost depends on the specific provider and the extent of care provided.

In Ireland, the process of undergoing medical tests and examinations is organized through the primary and specialized healthcare systems.

 

Consultation with a Family Doctor

 

The first step is to book an appointment with a family doctor who will assess your condition and, if necessary, refer you for appropriate tests or examinations.

 

Depending on the nature of the examination, this may be:

 

A Public Hospital: For more complex or specialized examinations. Note that waiting times may be long.

 

A Private Clinic or Laboratory: For faster examinations, but services will be fee-based.

 

Tests Without a Referral: In some cases, it is possible to undergo certain tests without a family doctor referral by directly contacting private laboratories.

 

Online appointment and results: Many medical facilities offer online systems for making appointments and obtaining test results. 

 

In Ireland, there are several leading laboratories providing medical analyses and research services. The most popular among them are: Randox Laboratories; National Virus Reference Laboratory; HealthConnect.

Choosing a healthcare facility

 

Both public and private maternity hospitals are available in Ireland. Public hospitals offer free or subsidized services, however, there may be waiting lists and a limited choice of accommodations. Private clinics offer a more personalized approach and comfortable conditions, but services are fully paid.

 

Choosing a doctor

 

In public institutions, pregnancy and childbirth are often managed by midwives, and doctors are involved when necessary. In private clinics, you can choose a specific doctor who will accompany you throughout your pregnancy and childbirth.

 

Health insurance

 

If you have a Medical Card, many services will be free. However, some procedures may require additional payment. Private health insurance can cover additional costs, including services from private clinics and specialists. 

 

Documents and birth plan

 

Prepare the necessary documents in advance, such as your passport, medical records, and insurance policy. Create a birth plan by discussing it with your doctor or midwife to consider your preferences and expectations.

 

Detailed information on preparing for childbirth in Ireland can be found on the official website of the Health Service of Ireland: (https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/mhml/ ).

 

 

Partner birth

Partner births are becoming increasingly popular in Ireland. Each medical facility may have its own rules regarding the presence of a partner. Contact the selected hospital or clinic in advance to find out if the presence of a partner at the birth is allowed and what conditions are necessary for this.

 

Vaccination of newborns

 

In Ireland, vaccination of newborns is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to protect children from serious infectious diseases. The National Health Service of Ireland provides a free immunization program, which begins at the age of 2 months and covers diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, pneumococcal infection, meningococcal infections B and C, measles, mumps, and rubella. Vaccination is carried out according to the national immunization calendar, and parents can discuss the immunization schedule with a family doctor or nurse.

In the event of a foreign citizen's death in Ireland, the following steps should be taken:

 

Reporting the death

Medical facility: If the death occurred in a hospital or another medical facility, the staff will notify the relevant authorities and provide a medical certificate of death.

Outside a medical facility: If the death occurred outside a medical facility, it is necessary to call the police and a doctor to record the death and determine the need for forensic examination.

 

Registration of death

Local registrar: The death must be registered at the local civil registration office within 3 months of the death. A medical certificate of death is required for this.

Death certificate: After registration, an official death certificate is issued, which is necessary for further legal and administrative procedures.

 

Informing the embassy or consulate

Consular assistance: Contact the embassy or consulate of the deceased's country for advice and assistance in organizing the repatriation of the body or settling other matters.

 

Funeral or repatriation arrangements

Funeral homes: Contact a licensed funeral home, which will help organize the funeral in Ireland or repatriate the body to the home country. A list of licensed funeral homes is available on the website (https://www.iafd.ie/) .

Repatriation: If the plan involves transporting the body abroad, the funeral home will assist with processing the necessary documents, including the embalming certificate, the body exportation permit, and coordination with airlines.

 

Cremation

In Ireland, to perform the cremation of a deceased person, including foreign citizens, the following permits and documents are required:

- Death Certificate: An official document confirming the fact of death, issued by the local registrar of civil status.

- Form A: Filled out by the person responsible for arranging the cremation, usually a representative of the funeral home.

- Form B: Completed by a doctor who treated the deceased in the last 28 days of life, confirming there are no suspicious circumstances of death.

- Form C: Completed by a second independent doctor, confirming the information stated in Form B.

- Cremation Permit: Issued by the local coroner after reviewing all submitted documents and confirming there is no need for further investigation.

 

The process of obtaining these documents is usually coordinated by a licensed funeral home, which interacts with medical institutions and the coroner to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. It is recommended to contact a professional funeral agency to ensure the correct processing of all necessary documents and adherence to procedures.

 

Financial and Legal Issues:

Insurance: Check for an insurance policy that may cover the costs of repatriation or funeral expenses.

Estate and Will: If the deceased had property or a will in Ireland, it is recommended to consult a lawyer to resolve inheritance issues.

In Ireland, specific requirements are established for the importation and keeping of pets, such as dogs, cats, and ferrets, aimed at preventing the spread of diseases and ensuring the well-being of pets.

 

Microchipping

All pets must be identified with a microchip that meets ISO 11784/11785 standards. Microchipping must be done before rabies vaccination.

 

Rabies Vaccination

The animal must be vaccinated against rabies after the microchip is installed. Vaccination is conducted no earlier than 12 weeks of age, and at least 21 days must pass from the time of vaccination before entry into Ireland. The vaccine must be valid at the time of entry.

 

Treatment for Tapeworms (for dogs)

Dogs must be treated for tapeworms (Echinococcus multilocularis) between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before entering Ireland. Treatment must be carried out with a drug containing praziquantel and documented in the veterinary certificate.

 

Veterinary Certificate or Pet Passport

To import an animal, you must have a valid veterinary certificate or pet passport confirming compliance with all the above requirements.

 

Additional Recommendations

Although not all vaccinations are mandatory, it is recommended to vaccinate against the following diseases:

- For dogs: Canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis;

- For cats: Panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus infection.

 

Before traveling, it is recommended to check the current requirements on the official website of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland (www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/ ).

In Ireland, there are numerous accommodation options for pets, including pet-friendly hotels as well as specialized pet hotels and shelters.

Pet-Friendly Hotels

Many hotels in Ireland welcome guests with pets, offering special conditions for a comfortable stay. Here are some examples:

The Twelve Hotel (Galway): Offers special rooms for guests with dogs, including a welcome package with treats and toys. Dogs are allowed in all areas of the hotel without extra charge.

Dunmore House Hotel (Clonakilty, Cork): Allows up to three pets per room without additional charges. Dogs are welcomed in most public areas of the hotel except the restaurant.

Glasson Lakehouse (Westmeath): Offers special rooms for guests with dogs, including all necessary amenities for pets. Dogs are allowed in all areas of the hotel except the restaurant.

Hotels and Animal Shelters

If you need to temporarily accommodate a pet, there are specialized hotels and animal shelters available in Ireland:

Pawsome Pet Hotel (Dublin): Offers luxurious conditions for dogs and cats, including individual rooms, play areas, and professional care.

Pet Sitters Ireland: A network of professional sitters providing pet care services at home or in specialized centers.

DSPCA Pet Boarding (Dublin): The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers temporary accommodation services for pets with professional care.

When choosing a place for your pet, it is recommended to familiarize yourself in advance with the conditions, requirements, and reviews to ensure maximum comfort and safety for your beloved pet.

The keeping of pets in Ireland is regulated by a number of legislative norms and recommendations aimed at ensuring the welfare of pets and public safety.

Registration and Licensing

Dogs: All dogs over 4 months old must be registered and licensed. There are several types of licenses:

  - Individual license: cost €20, valid for one year.

  - Lifetime license: cost €140, valid for the lifetime of the dog.

  - General license: cost €400, intended for owners of multiple dogs, valid for one year.

  Licenses can be purchased at local post offices or online at (https://www.licences.ie/) .

 

Identification and Microchipping

- All dogs must be microchipped and registered in the official database by 12 weeks of age or before being transferred to a new owner. Microchipping must be carried out by a certified specialist.

 

Collar and Identification Tag

Dogs are required to wear a collar with an attached tag that indicates the owner's name and address. Failure to have such a tag can lead to a fine.

Leash and Muzzle

In public places, dogs must be on a leash. Some breeds recognized as potentially dangerous are also required to wear a muzzle. 

Owners' Responsibilities

Owners are required to provide proper care for their pets, including feeding, medical care, and living conditions. Cruel treatment of animals is strictly prohibited. Under the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act, the following penalties are provided for such actions:

- Fines: The maximum fine is up to €250,000.

- Imprisonment: A prison sentence of up to 5 years is possible.

In addition, the court may impose a ban on owning animals for a certain period or for life. 

Cleaning up after Dogs

Owners are required to clean up after their dogs in public places. Violating this rule can lead to a fine. The amount of the fine varies depending on local authorities but is usually around €150. In some cases, the fine amount may be higher, especially in the case of repeated violations. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and fines set in your area by contacting your local council or municipality.

Vaccination and Health

Regular vaccination of pets against common diseases is recommended. Regular visits to the veterinarian will help maintain your pet's health.