The Impact of Brexit on Health Insurance

The Impact of Brexit on Health Insurance in Ireland

As the United Kingdom has left the European Union, the Brexit process has brought changes to various aspects of life, including health insurance in Ireland. This guide aims to help you understand the impact of Brexit on health insurance in Ireland for both Irish citizens and UK nationals living in Ireland. Find out about the changes and the resources available to help you navigate these changes.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Irish Citizens

For Irish citizens travelling to the UK, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) continues to be valid for accessing necessary healthcare during temporary visits. This is a result of the agreement reached between the EU and the UK. The EHIC covers medically necessary healthcare services received from public healthcare providers. It does not cover private healthcare or repatriation costs.

UK Nationals Living in Ireland

UK nationals living in Ireland can continue to use their UK-issued EHIC for necessary healthcare during temporary visits to EU countries. However, UK nationals who reside in Ireland and are not covered by the Irish public healthcare system may need to apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access healthcare in the EU.

The S1 Form and Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangements

Irish Citizens Living in the UK

Irish citizens living in the UK can access healthcare through the UK's National Health Service (NHS) without needing to use the S1 form. The S1 form is a reciprocal healthcare arrangement that allows EU citizens to access healthcare in another EU country. As part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements between Ireland and the UK, Irish citizens are treated as if they are UK nationals for healthcare purposes.

UK Nationals Living in Ireland

UK nationals who live in Ireland and receive a UK State Pension or certain other benefits may be eligible for healthcare coverage in Ireland using the S1 form. This allows them to access healthcare in Ireland through the public healthcare system on the same basis as Irish citizens. The S1 form must be obtained from the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and submitted to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland.

Private Health Insurance

Irish citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in Ireland may choose to purchase private health insurance for additional coverage or to access private healthcare services. Brexit has not significantly impacted private health insurance in either country. However, it is essential to ensure that your private health insurance policy provides adequate coverage for your needs, especially if you require healthcare in multiple countries.

Travelling for Medical Treatment

Following Brexit, the EU's Cross-Border Healthcare Directive no longer applies to the UK. This means that Irish citizens can no longer seek planned medical treatment in the UK under this directive and have the costs reimbursed by the HSE. Similarly, UK nationals living in Ireland cannot access planned medical treatment in EU countries under the directive and have the costs reimbursed by the NHS.

Useful Resources

For more information on the impact of Brexit on health insurance in Ireland, refer to the following official and authoritative websites:

• Health Service Executive (HSE) - Cross Border Directive
• Irish Government - Brexit and Health
• NHS - Apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
• UK Government - Healthcare for UK Nationals Living in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
• Citizens Information - Health Services and Brexit

While Brexit has brought about changes to health insurance in Ireland, particularly for UK nationals living in Ireland, many existing arrangements have been maintained or replaced with new agreements. By staying informed and understanding the impact of Brexit on your health insurance, you can ensure that you continue to have access to necessary healthcare services. Always consult official and authoritative sources for the most up-to-date information and consider seeking advice from a professional insurance advisor if you have concerns or questions about your specific situation.