The state healthcare system entitles anyone who is ordinarily resident in the country to receive free outpatient public hospital services, with the exception of A&E charges and inpatient care. Although these services are not especially expensive, most people take out some form of private health insurance if they are not eligible for a medical card. Private health insurance not only means that any expenses incurred are covered, but you will also benefit from faster access to elective services and have a say in who treats you, as well the possibility of having a private room.

Most employers in Ireland offer a health insurance scheme, sometimes at a slightly discounted group rate. The advantage is that your premium is deducted from your salary on payday, spreading the cost across the whole year.

There are three health insurance companies operating in Ireland, and packages cover everything from one-off treatments to day-to-day medical costs. The only thing that an insurance policy has to provide is semi-private accommodation for inpatient care in a public hospital, although most consultant and hospital services are covered by standard policies. After this, packages vary widely, in cost and in services covered. You can expect to pay from €330 annually for basic cover for a single person, up to €4,000 plus for comprehensive cover for a family of four. Insurance companies tend to quote prices exclusive of tax relief. All recognised insurance policy holders are entitled to a tax credit on their premium, but this is organised automatically by the insurer. If you find yourself without health insurance on arriving in Dublin, you will still be treated in a government hospital in case of an emergency.