Medicine in Ireland is recognized as one of the most effective and modern in the world. Doctors in Ireland earn very well, they are respected and trusted. There are no usual clinics, almost all issues are handled by a family doctor who conducts an appointment in a private office or one equipped at home. The family doctor makes vaccinations, express tests, and even ultrasounds.

The office is equipped with the latest technology, which allows the patient to receive all the necessary medical care immediately, except for the need to contact specialists of a narrow profile. The latter are respected professionals, for admission to which people pay a lot even with state insurance.

Health insurance in Ireland

In this country, it is not necessary to have health insurance, but most people buy it because healthcare is very expensive. There are public and private insurance companies. State insurance does not cover 100% of the costs, so even for a doctor's appointment, you will have to pay extra. Insurance in private companies is usually paid by the employer. This is a common benefit for the company's employees.

Basic insurance costs about 100 euros per month. However, if you need additional insurance, the price can increase significantly, because it includes dentistry, ophthalmology, physical procedures, etc.

What documents are needed to go to Ireland for treatment

To come to Ireland for treatment, you need to obtain a short-term category C visa for treatment. It allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days for medical procedures.

At the same time, there are several conditions for obtaining this visa:

1) If the medical procedure you need is not performed in your country of

residence;

2) Your chosen clinic confirmed the intention to take you for treatment;

3) You can pay for the treatment yourself;

Important: category C visa does not allow to be treated in public clinics. 

Anyone planning to be treated in Ireland must apply for a visa. This should be done 3 months before the planned trip.

To do this, you need to create a visa application online, pay the visa fee, and send the necessary documents. If confirmed, an Irish visa will be put on your passport and sent back to you.

After applying, write down the number of the transaction to be able to check the status in the future.

Pay a visa fee of 60 or 100 euros for one-time or multiple entries.

Necessary documents:

1) A letter from the hospital in the country of your residence;

2) A letter from an Irish hospital.

3) Visa fee

4) Passport;

5) Application letter;

6) Plan of stay;

7) Confirmation of payment.

Important: All documents must be translated into English and notarized. If necessary, the consulate may ask you to show additional documents. In some cases, it may require biometric information (prints, iris scans, etc.).

Childbirth in Ireland

Experience shows that women come to Ireland a few months before the assumed date of birth. During this time, they are looking for a good clinic for prenatal care and counseling. You can choose a municipal, private clinic, or a special center for women.

Because a medical category C visa makes it possible to stay in the country for only up to 3 months, which, of course, won’t be enough, you need to obtain a student, guest, or another visa. After the birth of the child, the parents apply for a birth certificate – which takes up to a month. Then you can obtain a passport: officially, a person born in Ireland can claim Irish citizenship. After 3 years, the child's passport will need to be changed to a new one, and for this, you do not need to go to Ireland again – this is done with the help of a lawyer or by mail.

The parents of the newly minted citizen of Ireland will be able to obtain a residence permit. To do this, you will need a passport, valid visa, and marriage certificate (if any). Every year the residence permit will need to be extended, and within 5 years after that, the child's parents will be able to become citizens of Ireland.