Referred to A&E by GP (No Medical Card)

05eaftqbrs9jlh

I was referred to the CUH Accident and Emergency on Wednesday after a severe asthma episode. I've never had one before so it's my first time doing any of this and I'm not sure about anything. I don't have a medical card or Health Insurance. I'm 26.

Upon admission, I asked how much it would cost and the receptionist said that it's free because I was referred. Is this true? I've been here since Wed, as I mentioned, and I've been in A&E until this evening. Now I'm in a ward. I looked it up on citizens information and it checked out. It seems strange that I just get these services for free?!

Really hoping it's true though, as I've had to take three days off work off and I don't get sick leave Any info greatly appreciated.

johnny_adidas

I'm not sure if the referral covers the stay on the ward. If not it's 75 euro per night as a public patient, to a maximum of 750 euro (10 nights) . If under pressure to pay, ask for a payment plan and agree a monthly payment that suits.

Try not to worry bout the cost, your health is your wealth and deal with it once you're recovered

Tom Mann Centuria

GP referral only covers A & E. As you were admitted, you wouldn't have been liable for A&E charge anyway. You'll be billed for the bed charge every night you're in.

Yawns

Yeah A&E won't be charged for but €75 a night up to a max charge of €750. I also think this covers for 12 months, so if you need to be re-admitted to a ward again in a few months down the line I believe you can't be charged, assuming you've already paid the max charge of €750. Also they have payment plans so don't stress. Get better and don't let money problems get you down.

Yawns

Actually doing a check up and it seems that the charge has increased from €75 to €80 per night with a max of €800.

Yawns

From 1 January 2017, the statutory charge for overnight and day in-patient services is €80 per day up to a maximum of €800 in any 12 consecutive months.

Taken from here.

So max of €800 in a 12 month period and they do payment plans. Get well soon OP.

CeilingFly

Not really free as it comes from taxation. But at least you know you are getting some value for taxes you pay.

snapper1234

Belle Skinny Crab wrote: »

I was referred to the CUH Accident and Emergency on Wednesday after a severe asthma episode. I've never had one before so it's my first time doing any of this and I'm not sure about anything. I don't have a medical card or Health Insurance. I'm 26.

Upon admission, I asked how much it would cost and the receptionist said that it's free because I was referred. Is this true? I've been here since Wed, as I mentioned, and I've been in A&E until this evening. Now I'm in a ward. I looked it up on citizens information and it checked out. It seems strange that I just get these services for free?!

Really hoping it's true though, as I've had to take three days off work off and I don't get sick leave Any info greatly appreciated.

You can ask for a payment plan if it comes to it and that won't be a problem. But if you're referred I believe it is free.

Wesser

Yes it's free. And then only 80 e a night. Very cheap!!!
Of course you are paying for it with tax but yes compared to say America....... Very cheap.

Mint Sauce

The A&E referral is free, you just pay your GP for his consult. Had you gone in without a referral, then it's €100.

Overnight fee as already advised.

05eaftqbrs9jlh

Damn, I stayed last night on A&E (complete with two different screaming drug addicts, as well as two separate trauma cases I think, got two hours sleep). I'm on a ward tonight, will that be more expensive or should it be 160 if they discharge me tomorrow? God almighty I really need to go back to work, I'm on thin ice as I only a substitute teacher and I'm going for a permanent job with a girl whose been there longer but is less qualified than me... Really don't need to be here any longer than I can help it.

But 160 would be mercifully affordable. Thanks so much for the replies.