Why We Created This Guide
Whether you've moved for a tech role in Dublin, a healthcare position in London, or you're bringing your family to start a new chapter, we know that navigating healthcare in a new country can feel daunting.
Both Ireland and the UK have public healthcare systems, and while they're under pressure in some areas, there are good options available once you know where to look. The key is getting organised early.
This guide walks you through what to expect, what things cost, and how to get your family set up. We're here to help you feel prepared, not overwhelmed.
Ireland
Finding a GP
Finding a GP practice that's accepting new patients is one of the first things you'll need to do in Ireland. In some areas, particularly cities, availability can be limited, so it's worth starting early.
What to Know About GP Availability
- • Some GP practices in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick may have limited capacity for new patients. You may need to contact several practices, but don't be discouraged.
- • Suburban and semi-rural practices often have more availability than city-centre ones, so it's worth widening your search a little.
- • There's no central registration system like in some other countries, so you'll need to contact practices directly. Your employer or colleagues may be able to recommend one.
- • Having a GP is important for referrals as most specialist and hospital care requires a GP letter, so getting registered early means you'll have that pathway when you need it.
Tips That Can Help
- • Start looking before you arrive or in your very first week. The earlier you start, the easier it is.
- • Ask your employer as larger companies sometimes have relationships with local practices or offer corporate GP services.
- • Consider a private GP service for the short term. Walk-in clinics and services like Centric Health offer same-day appointments for €50-€100.
- • Register the whole family at once. If you find a practice with availability, get everyone signed up together.
What Healthcare Costs
Ireland's healthcare system works differently from the NHS. Most working professionals pay for GP visits and some other services, so it's helpful to know what to budget for.
💊 GP Visits
€50-€100 per visit (prices tend to be higher in urban areas like Dublin). It's worth factoring this into your family budget, especially during winter when colds and flu are common.
🏥 A&E / Emergency Department
€100 per visit without a GP referral (waived if admitted or if you have a Medical Card). With a GP referral letter, there's no charge.
💉 Prescriptions
The Drug Payment Scheme is a helpful option that caps prescription costs at €80 per month per family. Make sure to register for it as it can save you a significant amount.
🦷 Dental Care
Mostly private. A check-up typically costs €50-€80. If you're a PRSI contributor, you may be entitled to one free exam per year under the DTBS.
📋 Specialist Care
Public hospital waiting lists can be lengthy for non-urgent specialist appointments. If your employer offers private health insurance (VHI, Laya, Irish Life Health), it's well worth taking as it gives you faster access to specialist and hospital care.
Private Health Insurance
Many employers offer private health insurance as part of your benefits package. We'd strongly recommend taking it if it's available. It gives you faster access to specialists and hospital care, and provides real peace of mind for your family.
If your employer doesn't offer it, plans typically cost €1,000-€2,500 per adult per year. Family plans are available too.
Families & Children
There's some really good news for families with young children in Ireland.
What's Free for Children
- • All children under 8 get free GP care. This was extended in 2024 and is a real benefit for families. Register your children with a GP as soon as you can to access this.
- • Childhood vaccinations are free through the HSE Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme.
- • Public hospital care for children under 16 is free, including A&E visits.
Things to Plan For
- • Public maternity care is free under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme. You'll need a GP referral, ideally before 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- • Post-natal GP visits for the mother are not automatically free (unless you have a Medical Card), though baby check-ups are covered.
- • Paediatric specialist referrals through the public system can involve waiting times, so private health insurance can be helpful for faster access if needed.
United Kingdom
Finding a GP
The UK's NHS is one of the most comprehensive public healthcare systems in the world, and as an international worker you're entitled to use it. Getting registered with a GP is your first step.
What to Know About GP Registration
- • Some GP surgeries in busy areas may have limited capacity, especially in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other large cities. If the first practice you try isn't accepting new patients, try a few others nearby.
- • Once registered, appointment availability varies. Many surgeries offer same-day booking for urgent issues, while routine appointments may take a couple of weeks.
- • You don't need proof of address or immigration status to register. GP practices cannot legally refuse you for not having a utility bill.
- • Online and app-based GP services are growing, with both NHS and private options like Livi and Push Doctor offering convenient consultations.
- • NHS 111 is always available for urgent but non-emergency care when you can't get a GP appointment.
Our Top Tips
- • Register as early as possible, ideally in your first few days. The sooner you're set up, the easier everything else is.
- • Try practices a little further afield. You don't have to register at the closest surgery, and ones slightly outside your immediate area may have availability.
- • Register all family members at the same time to make sure everyone is covered.
- • Download the NHS App once registered. You can book appointments, order prescriptions, and view your medical records.
Costs, IHS & What You Pay
The NHS is free at the point of use, which is a real benefit. As an international worker, you'll pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application, and then most NHS services are covered.
💷 Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
£1,035 per person per year (as of 2025), paid upfront as part of your visa application. This covers you for NHS services during your time in the UK. For a family, the total can add up, so it's worth factoring this into your relocation budget.
💊 Prescriptions
£9.90 per item in England (free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). If you or your family take regular medication, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate at ~£31/quarter or ~£111/year caps your costs.
🦷 Dental Care
Finding an NHS dentist as a new patient can be tricky. Private dental care is an option, with check-ups typically costing £50-£100+. Getting a dental check-up before you move is a smart idea.
👁️ Eye Care
Eye tests cost £20-£35 privately. Free NHS eye tests are available for certain groups (children, over 60s, those on certain benefits).
📋 Specialist Care
NHS waiting lists for non-urgent specialist care can be lengthy. If your employer offers private health insurance as a benefit, it's well worth taking for faster access to specialist appointments and hospital treatment.
Families & Children
The UK has excellent provisions for children's healthcare, which is great news for families.
What's Covered for Families
- • All NHS services are free for children, including GP visits, hospital care, A&E, prescriptions (under 16), and dental care (under 18 in education).
- • Maternity care is fully covered. Antenatal appointments, birth, and postnatal care are all free on the NHS, regardless of immigration status.
- • Health visitors and midwives provide proactive support through pregnancy and early childhood.
- • Childhood vaccinations are free and scheduled through your GP practice.
Things to Keep in Mind
- • Registering the whole family with one GP is ideal, though some practices may have limited capacity. Try to register everyone together.
- • Children's mental health services (CAMHS) can involve waiting times for assessment. If you're concerned about your child, your GP and school are both good starting points.
- • School health services vary from school to school. It's worth asking about pastoral care and health support when your child starts.
- • Finding an NHS dentist for adults is separate from children's dental care. Budget for private dental if needed.
Emergency Care
In a genuine emergency, always go to hospital or call emergency services. Your health comes first. Insurance, registration, and paperwork can all be sorted afterwards.
🇮🇪 Ireland
- • Emergency: Call 999 or 112
- • A&E charge: €100 without GP referral
- • Out-of-hours GPs: D-Doc (Dublin), SouthDoc, WestDoc, NorthDoc, KDOC
- • A&E can be busy, so for non-emergency issues, try out-of-hours GP services first
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- • Emergency: Call 999
- • Urgent but not emergency: Call 111
- • A&E is free (covered by your IHS)
- • For non-emergencies, NHS 111, pharmacies, and urgent care centres can often help faster
A Helpful Tip
For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, out-of-hours GP services, urgent care centres, and pharmacies are often quicker alternatives to A&E. Many pharmacies can now treat minor ailments and provide medication without a prescription, which is really convenient.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Moving to a new country is a big life change, and it's completely natural to feel the strain sometimes. Whether it's adjusting to a new culture, missing family, or the stress of settling in, support is available and you deserve to use it.
Where to Get Support
- • 🇮🇪 Ireland: Your GP can refer you for counselling. The Samaritans (116 123, free, 24/7) and Pieta House (1800 247 247) offer crisis support. Many employers also provide Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) with free confidential counselling.
- • 🇬🇧 UK: You can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies without needing a GP referral. The Samaritans (116 123), Mind (0300 123 3393), and SHOUT text service (text "SHOUT" to 85258) are all free and confidential.
- • Online therapy in your own language can be invaluable. Platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and local equivalents are available.
- • Community groups for international workers and expats can provide wonderful social support. Check Facebook groups, Meetup, and local community centres.
- • For children: Keep an eye out for signs they might be finding the adjustment difficult. Schools are a great first point of contact, and your GP can guide you to the right support.
Your First-Week Action Plan
Whether you're heading to Ireland or the UK, here are the practical steps that will help you and your family feel settled and covered.
Your Relocation Healthcare Checklist
- • Find and register with a GP for every family member. This is the single most important step.
- • Get full medical and dental check-ups before you leave home. It's usually easier and more affordable.
- • Bring 3-6 months of any regular medication with a doctor's letter (in English) explaining what it is and why you need it.
- • Carry a medical summary with your allergies, blood type, conditions, and medications. A digital copy on your phone is ideal.
- • Register for the Drug Payment Scheme (Ireland) to cap prescription costs at €80/month per family.
- • Buy a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (England) to cap costs at ~£31/quarter.
- • Check your employer's health benefits. Many offer private health insurance, dental plans, or Employee Assistance Programmes.
- • Save emergency numbers and your nearest hospital address in your phone.
- • Download the NHS App (UK) or check HSE.ie (Ireland) for local services.
- • Budget for healthcare costs, especially in Ireland where GP visits are €50-€100 each (higher in Dublin).
One Thing We'd Really Recommend
Register with a GP in your first week. It might feel like something you can put off, but having a GP means you'll have access to care, referrals, and prescriptions when you need them. It's the foundation of everything else in this guide, and it makes a real difference to how smoothly things go.
We're here to help you find your feet 💚
Gewardz Health offers affordable health membership designed for international workers and families. Get access to GP consultations, prescriptions, and health support from day one, so you're covered while you settle in.
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