Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Ireland
- Ireland does not require health insurance for visas, but HSE public wait times make private coverage essential—specialist waits can exceed 12 months.
- Becoming Ordinarily Resident (living in Ireland with intent to stay 1+ year) gives you access to HSE public hospitals at €80/night (capped at €800/year).
- GP visits cost €50-70 without a Medical Card. Only low-income residents qualify for free GP care.
- Local insurers (VHI, Laya, Irish Life Health) cost €80-200/month and cover private hospitals like the Blackrock Clinic and Beacon Hospital.
- Critical Skills Employment Permit holders get immediate Ordinarily Resident status—you can access public healthcare from day one.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Ireland?
Ireland does not require health insurance for visa applications, including the Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Employment Permit. However, non-EU applicants must demonstrate they can support themselves financially. Most expats get private insurance because HSE wait times are extremely long—the public waiting list for some procedures exceeds 18 months. EU citizens can use EHIC for emergency/necessary care but should get local coverage for anything beyond basics.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Anyone who cannot wait 6-18 months for specialist appointments or procedures
- Higher earners who do not qualify for Medical Card (free GP care)
- Non-EU expats wanting access to private hospitals like Blackrock Clinic, Beacon, or Mater Private
- Those with chronic conditions requiring regular specialist care
- EU citizens planning to stay long-term (EHIC is for temporary stays only)
Public vs Private Healthcare in Ireland
Public Healthcare
HSE (Health Service Executive)
- Access: Ordinarily Resident status (living in Ireland 1+ year). EU citizens with EHIC for emergency/necessary care.
- Cost: Public hospital: €80/night (max €800/year). GP visits: €50-70 unless you have a Medical Card (free for low-income). A&E: €100 unless referred by GP.
Ireland has a two-tier healthcare system. Public HSE care is available but wait times are notoriously long—18+ months for some procedures. Those with private insurance often see the same consultants privately with no wait. About 46% of Irish residents have private health insurance despite public access.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Local (VHI, Laya, Irish Life Health): €80-200/month. International: €200-400/month.
VHI is the largest insurer (~50% market share) and has strong relationships with Irish private hospitals. Irish private insurance gives access to consultants without 12-month waits. Tax relief of 20% is available on health insurance premiums, reducing effective costs.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Ireland. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Expats who travel frequently and need worldwide coverage beyond Ireland
Not ideal for: Long-term Ireland residents—VHI/Laya cost less and qualify for 20% tax relief
Allianz Care
Best for: EU expats moving between Ireland and other European countries
Not ideal for: Ireland-only residents—local insurers have better hospital agreements
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions (Bupa Ireland also operates locally with good hospital access)
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious expats over 34—Lifetime Community Rating increases local plan costs
IMG Global
Best for: Short-term stays or digital nomads not planning to establish residency
Not ideal for: Long-term residents—missing 20% tax relief and local hospital agreements
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Ireland
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Expats who travel frequently | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | EU expats moving between | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions (Bupa Ireland | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Short-term stays or digital | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Ireland
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- HSE wait times are severe—some orthopedic procedures have 18+ month public waiting lists.
- Medical Card (free GP care) is means-tested. Single person income threshold is around €184/week. Most working expats will not qualify.
- Irish insurers have Lifetime Community Rating—premiums increase 2% per year for each year you are over 34 when you first take out insurance. Buy earlier to lock in lower rates.
- EU citizens: EHIC covers emergency and necessary care, but planned procedures or ongoing treatment require local insurance.
- Private insurance does not cover GP visits in most plans—you still pay €50-70 per visit out of pocket.
- Tax relief of 20% applies to health insurance premiums—factor this into cost comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need health insurance for an Ireland visa?
No. Ireland does not require health insurance for visa applications. However, non-EU applicants must show they can support themselves. Most expats get private insurance because HSE public wait times are extremely long.
What is Ordinarily Resident status in Ireland?
If you are living in Ireland and intend to stay for at least one year, you are considered Ordinarily Resident and can access HSE public healthcare. This applies regardless of nationality. Critical Skills Permit holders get this status immediately.
How much does private health insurance cost in Ireland?
Local plans (VHI, Laya, Irish Life Health) cost €80-200/month depending on coverage level. International plans cost €200-400/month. Remember: you get 20% tax relief on premiums, so a €200/month plan effectively costs €160/month.
What is Lifetime Community Rating in Ireland?
Ireland has a unique system where your health insurance premium increases by 2% for every year you are over 34 when you first buy insurance. If you are 44 when you first buy, you pay a permanent 20% loading. This incentivizes buying insurance early.
Should I get VHI or international insurance?
For long-term Ireland residents: VHI or Laya offer excellent access to Irish private hospitals, understand the local system, and premiums qualify for tax relief. For frequent travelers or those who may relocate: international plans offer worldwide coverage but may cost more and lack specific Irish hospital agreements.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.