Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 112 or 999 for emergencies. A&E departments are severely overcrowded — the "trolley crisis" sees hundreds of patients daily on trolleys in corridors. If possible, visit an Injury Unit (minor injuries) or contact your GP first. Children's A&E visits are free.
Response time: 8-20 minutes in cities, 30-60+ minutes in rural areas (particularly west coast)
Cost: A&E charge: €100 (waived if admitted, referred by GP, or Medical Card holder). Public hospital bed: €80/day (capped at €800/year). Ambulance: free.
Healthcare System
Ireland operates a two-tier public-private healthcare system through the Health Service Executive (HSE). Unlike the NHS, most people pay for GP visits (€50-70 each) unless they hold a Medical Card or GP Visit Card. About 46% of the population has private health insurance to bypass lengthy public waiting lists. The system is under severe strain — a chronic GP shortage, record A&E trolley crises, and long specialist waits are persistent issues. EU/EEA visitors with EHIC receive public hospital care, but GP visits are not covered.
Designed for: Residents with Medical Cards (means-tested) or private insurance. "Ordinarily resident" status grants entitlement to public services.
GP Access & Costs
You must register with a GP practice — walk-in GP access is NOT standard in Ireland. Many practices are full and not accepting new patients, especially in cities. Visitors/short-term residents should phone around to find a practice taking new patients. Some GPs will see non-registered patients on a private basis but this is not guaranteed. Specialists require GP referral in the public system.
Typical wait: Routine: 3-7 days. Urgent same-day: very difficult — most GPs are overbooked. Public specialists: 3-18+ months. Private specialists: 1-4 weeks.
Availability: Severe GP shortage nationwide, particularly in rural areas (west, midlands). Many urban practices also closed to new patients. Finding a GP accepting new patients can take weeks of phone calls. GP out-of-hours services (D-Doc, Shannondoc, Westdoc, NowDoc) provide evening/weekend cover — call your local co-op or HSE Live (1800 700 700). D-Doc covers Dublin and sees non-registered patients.
GP Visit
€50-70 per visit (€60-90 in Dublin)
Private GP
€50-70 per consultation (€60-90 in Dublin). GP out-of-hours: €50-60.
ER Without Insurance
A&E: €100 (waived if admitted/referred). Hospital bed: €80/day (max €800/year). Private hospital ER: €150-300+.
Medication
Drug Payment Scheme caps costs at €80/month per family. Medical Card holders: free prescriptions (€1.50 copay per item, capped at €15/month). Without coverage, full pharmacy prices apply — common medications €5-30+.
Health insurance is strongly recommended
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–6pm typical. Late-night pharmacies in Dublin (Grafton St, O'Connell St) and larger towns. Boots and LloydsPharmacy widely available.
OTC: Pharmacists can advise and supply common medications. Low-dose codeine products (Nurofen Plus, Solpadeine) available OTC but pharmacist must approve. Emergency contraception available without prescription.
Controlled substances: Strong opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants (e.g., Ritalin) require an Irish prescription. Travellers must carry medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter. Cannabis is illegal regardless of prescription status elsewhere.
Practical Tips
- Get a PPS number early — it's needed for healthcare, employment, tax, and social welfare
- Apply for a Medical Card or GP Visit Card if income-eligible — it provides free GP access
- GP out-of-hours co-ops (D-Doc, Shannondoc, Westdoc, NEDOC) provide evening and weekend cover — call HSE Live 1800 700 700
- Use Injury Units for minor injuries (sprains, cuts, minor fractures) — much faster than A&E
- Private health insurance (VHI, Laya, Irish Life Health) costs €80-200/month and dramatically reduces specialist waits
- Pharmacies (Boots, LloydsPharmacy) are excellent first points of contact for minor ailments
What is the emergency number in Ireland?
Call 999 or 112 for all emergencies (ambulance, fire, police). Both numbers work across Ireland. For non-emergency medical advice, contact your GP or local out-of-hours service (e.g., NowDoc, D-Doc, SouthDoc).
Is healthcare free in Ireland for visitors?
A&E attendance is free for everyone, but you may wait 12–24+ hours. Hospital admission is €80/night (capped at €800/year) for public patients. GP visits cost €50–70 and are NOT free for visitors. EU/EEA visitors with EHIC receive public hospital treatment but must still pay for GP visits.
Join the waitlist to see 3 more FAQs
Sources: HSE Ireland, Citizens Information Ireland, CDC Travelers Health 2025, INMO Trolley Watch, Department of Health Ireland
Last reviewed: March 2026 by Gewardz Health
Further Reading
Healthcare for Workers & Families in Ireland & the UK
GP registration, Medical Cards, maternity care, and settling-in healthcare tips for Ireland.
Read guideEHIC, GHIC & E111: Free Healthcare in Europe
How the EHIC works in Ireland for EU/EEA visitors — and what it does NOT cover.
Read guideHealthcare in the United Kingdom
Compare Ireland's system with the NHS — essential for CTA travellers.
Read guide