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Does anyone know if the medical card can be used outside of Ireland?

  • 23-04-2009 6:50pm
    #1
    Cellar_Door
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 182 ✭✭


    If it is, is it strictly limited to only certain entitlements?

    Say, you wanted to correct a physical defect through plastic surgery, would the medical card be worth anything then?


Comments

  • #2
    trout
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,957 ✭✭✭trout


    No idea. I did some googling ... didn't get any conclusive answers.

    My first thought was "probably not" but you should contact the HSE for a definite answer.

    link -> http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/health/entitlement-to-health-services/medical_card
    Contact your local health centre or Local Health Office if you have any questions about medical cards and eligibility.

    You can also contact the HSE Infoline: Callsave 1850 24 1850


  • #3
    Red Sleeping Beauty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,443 ✭✭✭Red Sleeping Beauty


    No the HSE medical card means nothing outside Ireland. However, there's such a thing as the European Health Card - http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/travel-and-recreation/travel-abroad/e111

    That entitles you to free emergency health care (usually only where it would impede your travel, ie leaving the country). You don't need to produce one in the UK just prove of Irish nationality will suffice.

    If you're talking about getting an opreation/procedure....

    You can ask to be treated under the National Treatment Purchase Fund (you talk to a doctor to refer you or in some hospitals they automatically contact you after a certain time and ask you would you like to be entered into it) if you're waiting a prolongued period of time for an operation/procedure.

    I can only assume though that plastic surgery isn't covered by either that EHICard or the NTPF. Private health insurance might.


  • #4
    Joey the lips
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,262 ✭✭✭✭Joey the lips


    Yes as far as I know it can. What you do is arrange to have surgery in the south of spain and for recovery you can relax on the beech. Whats even better it they pay for your flights as well. :D

    Not!

    Your lucky to get use of it here with all the cutbacks.

    It does not cover for certain defects egg I dont like the size of my brests or shape of my nose. However it does cover physcological disorders and treatment and if your doctor feels your nose is effecting your confidence he can rec it.

    The waiting list is long....Very long. I was on it and pulled out( Mind your own business why)

    Your better saving and going private if its small like nose/chest.


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