Healthcare as a student

LegacyUser

I am a third-level student who moved over from the UK a few years ago and never really found out how healthcare works here other than you have to pay for it.

Since then I've had a couple illnesses, currently have a bad flu and had the mumps a year ago. I've never bothered going to the doctors or hospital because of the financial implications. Indeed when I had the mumps, I was too sick to leave my room let alone make it to the doctors, and thought calling an ambulance was a bit OTT (and again, expensive).

Can someone explain what options I have?

mp22

Apply for a medical card http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/entitlement_to_health_services/medical_card.html

LegacyUser

mp22 wrote: »

Apply for a medical card http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/entitlement_to_health_services/medical_card.html

Thanks. I've tried to apply online but the second page says "Please insert your parents valid card number below". My parents are both Irish but no longer live in Ireland, and do not have medical cards. The application seems to make no allowance for this. Should I just say I'm not financially dependent on them?

mp22

If your parents do not have a medical card put that down.I think you might be better off getting a paper version of the form.

maryk123

if your parents are working in the uk and paying taxes you may be entitled to something. I think the form you need is an E106. Have a look into it.