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- info@healthcareabroad.ie

The Cross Border Directive
Under the EU Cross Border Directive, Irish residents are entitled to medical treatment in any EU country. Healthcare Abroad ensure that your medical treatments are fully reimbursed and you get the treatment you need in as little as 20 days. find out more and see how you can bypass the waiting Irish lists below.

What is the EU Cross Border Directive?
The EU Cross Border Directive empowers Irish patients to take control of their healthcare by offering access to planned medical treatments across the EU/EEA. This intiative allows you to bypass the delays and receive planned medical care abroad. You don’t need to be on a waiting list, all Irish residents are eligible.Healthcare Abroad can help you get the treatment you need in as little as 20 days.
This directive puts you in the driver’s seat of your treatment journey. You can now choose when to receive your care, all within the EU, with the peace of mind that the medical costs will be reimbursed by the HSE. It’s the flexibility and speed you need to get back to living your life without the burden of long waits.
Imagine the relief of having your treatment scheduled and completed so quickly. Dive into real patient stories to see how lives have been transformed, and explore the variety of treatments available to you.

Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the Cross Border Directive, you must meet these simple requirements:
- Be an Irish Citizen / Resident.
- You must have a valid referral letter from a public healthcare doctor – Healthcare Abroad can help you with this.
- The surgery you would like to be abroad has to be available publicly in Ireland, call 01 267 8011 if you have any questions.
This makes it easier for you to access medical care abroad while still being covered by Ireland’s healthcare system.
At Healthcare Abroad, we guide patients through the process of qualifying for the Cross Border Directive, ensuring proper documentation. Additionally, we assist with logistics for cross-border healthcare, including support for financial planning. Patients will pay upfront and can apply for reimbursement from the HSE, with financing available if necessary.

The Role of Healthcare Abroad
The EU Cross Border Directive offers a valuable solution for public patients in Ireland facing long waiting times for healthcare. It provides an opportunity to receive medical treatment in other EU countries, ensuring timely care without the delays experienced at home. At Healthcare Abroad, we assist patients through each step of this process, from securing the necessary documentation to navigating logistics. Our aim is to ensure that accessing cross-border healthcare is as smooth as possible, helping patients receive the care they need with minimal stress.

Guiding you at each and every step
Navigating international healthcare can be overwhelming, but Healthcare Abroad simplifies the process so patients can focus on their recovery. We guide patients through each step of the Cross Border Directive process, including:
- Assisting with obtaining a valid referral for medical treatment abroad
- Organising travel and accommodation for the patient.
- Handling reimbursement claims to the HSE.
With extensive experience, our team ensures every patient has the support they need to successfully navigate the healthcare abroad process and receive the care they require without unnecessary delays.

Costs and Reimbursement
Under the EU Cross Border Directive, the costs of medical treatment abroad are covered, but only up to the equivalent cost of the same treatment in Ireland. Additional expenses, such as travel or prescriptions, are not reimbursed. Patients must cover these medical expenses abroad upfront to the hospital and then apply for healthcare reimbursement after treatment.
At Healthcare Abroad, we assist patients with managing these Cross Border Directive costs, including help with loan applications if needed, making sure that financial considerations do not hinder access to essential care.

Limitations and Exclusions
Individuals receiving income from outside Ireland, such as those on a UK pension, may face limitations under the scheme. However, individuals with a higher Irish pension MAY still qualify for cross-border healthcare.
For further details regarding eligibility restrictions, you can refer to the official Healthcare Abroad page.

Real Patient Stories
Thousands of Irish patients have accessed essential treatments through the Cross Border Directive, transforming their lives.
One such patient, David from Dublin, shared, “The pain got so bad I couldn’t walk, work, or help look after my kids.” After his surgery abroad, he said, “I had immediate pain relief! I am so grateful to Healthcare Abroad for helping me get my life back.”
Similarly, Linda O’Shea, who had osteoarthritis, explained, “I went online and read the patient stories… I can’t thank everyone enough that I can now get back to being active with my family.” Her swift recovery and restored mobility were life-changing.
Willie Redmond, who underwent two surgeries, spoke highly of his experience: “It’s a win-win, and everyone in Ireland should know about this!” After his knee operation, he praised the care and post-op recovery, adding, “The whole experience was fantastic, and the support from the Healthcare Abroad team was amazing.”

How to Get Started with Healthcare Abroad
If you’re ready to explore your healthcare options abroad, Healthcare Abroad can support you at every stage of the process. From guiding you through the healthcare referral process to managing the logistics of your medical travel, we make it easy for you to access the treatment you need.
Our team will coordinate consultations, assist with travel arrangements, and provide continual support, ensuring your experience is as straightforward and stress-free as possible. To start with Healthcare Abroad, contact us today and let us help you take control of your healthcare journey.

Healthcare Abroad
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We've helped thousands of Irish patients like you. Those who are stuck on waiting lists in Ireland, travelled abroad for treatment - cared for by us.