Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city?

No special vaccinations or medications are necessary. However, the influenza vaccine is recommended for anyone traveling to Ireland during flu season, which is November through April.

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Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat?

If you are a European Union (EU)/EEA/Swiss national or if you are normally resident in Ireland, you are entitled to receive the same level of health care as Irish citizens. If you have just moved to Ireland but plan on living in the country for more than one year, you are considered to be "ordinarily resident" and entitled to a range of public health services that are free of charge or subsidized by the Irish Government. If you are not a EU/EEA/Swiss national, you will be entitled to certain services free of charge but will have to pay for the remainder. In addition to the public health system, there are also private healthcare services to choose from. You must pay the full costs of treatment if you opt for private healthcare. The two private healthcare insurance providers in Ireland are Voluntary Health Insurance (VHI) or Laya (previously Bupa).

Some employers provide Voluntary Health Insurance (VHI) or Laya as a benefit, but this does not cover a visit to your local doctor. A visit to your local doctor will cost approximately 40 Euros. If your employer does not provide VHI or Laya, it is strongly advised that you have your own medical insurance in place before entering Ireland.

If you need further information on medical care in Ireland, please feel free to contact your Crown representative.

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What is the word for "doctor" in the local language?

Doctors in Ireland are referred to as "doctor" or GP (General Practitioner).

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What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider?

VHI and Laya are Ireland's two main healthcare providers. Their contact information is:

  • Laya -- Tel: 1 890 700 890
  • VHI -- Tel: 1 850 444 444

For more information, go to their website listed below.

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Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go?

Most expats are able to find good medical care within Ireland. Those needing specialized care for special circumstances may seek medical care in other nearby countries within the United Kingdom. Others may wait for a trip back to their home country to visit their regular doctor.

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What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police.

For all emergencies, dial either 112 or 999. Other important numbers can be found in the Golden Pages.

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What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night—or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable?

Dial 112 or 999 or go to the Accident and Emergency Department of your local hospital. On-call doctors can also be found in the Golden Pages, but these doctors will cost more than 40 Euros.

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How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language?

In Ireland, pharmacies are referred to as a "chemist." You will be able to recognize a pharmacy by a green cross on a white background, which is typically displayed outside or within the store window.

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Is the water safe to drink?

Yes, drinking water in Ireland is safe. Bottled water is also available in most restaurants.

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Useful Links

Laya Healthcare Insurance:

www.layahealthcare.ie

 

VHI Insurance:

www.vhihealthe.com/

 

Department of Health and Children

www.doh.ie

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.