Accessing Healthcare Abroad (Ireland)

Cross Border Directive

The Cross Border Directive (CBD) presents a valuable opportunity for Irish residents seeking planned healthcare in other European Union (EU) countries. This scheme enables individuals to bypass lengthy waiting lists within the Health Service Executive (HSE) by opting for medical treatments abroad.

How It Works?

Under the EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive (CBD), Irish patients will be able to travel to other EU countries for planned treatment, offering a practical way to quickly meet healthcare needs. This is unsustainable long wait times for patients to receive necessary treatment without unnecessary delay.

Procedure

To access health care in an EU country, patients need a referral from their GP. After that, they can arrange travel on their own. Once treatment has been completed, patients can claim reimbursement from the HSE, covering the costs of consultation, treatment and rehabilitation up to the equivalent cost of treatment in Ireland.

Qualifying for CBD

To be eligible for the CBD program in Ireland, applicants must:

  • Must be generally resident in Ireland;
  • Equal access to public health services in Ireland;
  • Eligibility for preferred health care as a state patient in Ireland;
  • Hold a valid release form;
  • Follow the CBD policy.

Although patients initially have to pay for overseas healthcare, the scheme can apply to the HSE for reimbursement, to cover the costs of planned healthcare.

Private Patients

Only a GP or consultant seen as a community patient can issue a referral for CBD health. Access to private healthcare in Ireland cannot be part of the CBD patient pathway.

Claiming Reimbursement

To claim reimbursement, applicants must adhere to the CBD process, including:

  • obtaining a valid referral;
  • having a consultation abroad;
  • travelling for healthcare;
  • paying for services abroad;
  • completing the CBD pro forma invoice;
  • applying for reimbursement.

Apply for reimbursement

If you are applying for the refund under the Cross Border Directive (CBD) follow these steps to do that.

  1. Complete a CBD pro forma invoice in English with your overseas healthcare provider. Ensure that the consultant completes part B of the pro forma invoice before leaving the hospital.
  2. Gather Supporting Documents including:
    • Original invoice(s) and receipt(s) from overseas hospital;
    • Proof of travel (e.g. charter flights);
    • Completed pro-forma invoice (optional, but recommended).
  3. Submit documents to CBD office:
    • Post the completed form and supporting documents at the CBD office.

Additional guidelines:

  • You must complete the HSE CBD Pro-forma Invoice with your overseas healthcare provider;
  • If any part of the invoice is in another language, you must provide a certified translation at your own expense. WE WILL HELP YOU WITH THAT;
  • Payment is usually made within 20 business days.

This structured process ensures the smooth processing of rebate applications within the CBD, and ensures straightforward and timely responses from the relevant authorities.

Costs Covered by CBD

Reimbursement under the CBD is applicable only to the cost of healthcare. Costs such as travel expenses, prescription medicines, and translation expenses are not covered. Maximum payments are based on the cost of public healthcare in Ireland.

Types of Healthcare Available

The CBD scheme covers a number healthcare services available publicly in Ireland. Examples include:

  • dental and orthodontic services;
  • occupational remedy;
  • psychology offerings;
  • physiotherapy;
  • disability offerings;
  • ophthalmic offerings;
  • orthopaedic services;
  • fertility treatment;
  • intellectual health services;
  • addiction care and greater.

Certain healthcare services are not available under the CBD, such as organ transplants, long-term care, vaccinations against infectious diseases, clinical trials, and drug therapies not publicly provided in Ireland.

In essence, the CBD scheme offers Irish residents a valuable opportunity to access a range of healthcare services abroad, providing an effective solution to mitigate waiting times and improve overall patient well-being.