Ireland has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with several countries. This means that Irish residents who are travelling or living in these countries can access healthcare services without being charged for medical treatment that would normally be paid for by the public healthcare system.
The countries that have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Ireland include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA includes all European Union (EU) member states, as well as Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.
The reciprocal healthcare agreement means that Irish residents travelling to these countries will have access to medical treatment for any illness or injury that occurs during their stay. They will also be able to access medical treatment for pre-existing conditions that require medical attention during their stay.
In addition, Irish residents who are living in these countries for any length of time will be able to access healthcare services on the same basis as the resident population. This means that they will be able to register with a local GP and access medical treatment in the same way as local residents.
It is important to note that the reciprocal healthcare agreement does not cover all medical treatments. It is important to check the specific details of the agreement with the country you are travelling to or living in, to ensure that you are covered for the medical treatment you require.
To access healthcare services under the reciprocal healthcare agreement, Irish residents will need to present their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to healthcare providers. The EHIC and GHIC provide proof of entitlement to healthcare services and must be carried with you at all times when travelling or living abroad.
In summary, the reciprocal healthcare agreement Ireland has in place with several countries provides peace of mind for Irish residents travelling or living abroad. Knowing that they will have access to medical treatment without being charged gives peace of mind to many and facilitates easier travel and settlement for those who choose to leave the Emerald Isle for a period. As an SEO-focused editor, it is important to include keywords related to this topic to improve search engine rankings and increase the visibility of this important information to those in need of it.