Health cover

In Ireland, this falls into two categories – cover for medical card holders and all other categories.

At the end of this section there are some useful telephone numbers and addresses for further help.

Hospital cover

At present everyone is entitled to hospital in-patient services in a public ward in all public hospitals. There is a €33.00 a day levy up to a maximum of €330.13 in any twelve consecutive months for public care. Higher rates apply for semi-private or private care. These levies do not apply to medical card holders.

Out-patient cover

There is no charge at present for out-patient attendance. There will, however, be a charge for patients attending the Accident and Emergency Department in certain circumstances.

Medical card

A medical card usually entitles you, your spouse and any child under 16 to G.P. and hospital services free of charge and whatever prescribed drugs and appliances that you require.

In most cases, eligibility for a medical card is dependent on a means test. Financial guidelines are set out each year and these are available from your local health board or clinic. However, if your means are above but close to the guidelines and/or you have a considerable amount of medical expense you should apply for a card.

You may be eligible for a medical card as an individual because of your cancer diagnosis. In this case your spouse and children will not be covered if your means are above the limit. There is no means test required for those aged 70 years or over, as people in this age group are automatically entitled to their own medical card.

Drugs payment scheme

All families including spouses, dependent children and individuals will now pay no more than €70 each month to cover the cost of prescribed drug medicines and appliances. If you have not already received a card for you and your family you can apply for cover under the scheme by contacting your local health board office. You can also register for this scheme by completing a registration form that is available from pharmacies.

Private health care cover

This is available through the VHI, BUPA and other schemes. It is advisable to check the level of cover provided by your insurance company, both for in-patient and out-patient services before attending hospital.

Benefits and Allowances

Disability Benefit

This is a benefit for insured people. Eligibility for this benefit will depend on your PRSI contributions. You must be under 66 and unfit to work due to illness.

You must send a social welfare medical certificate signed by your doctor each week to the Dept. of Social, Community and Family Affairs, P.O. Box 1650, Dublin 1. Tel: 01 679 7777.

You can also hand in your medical certificate at your local social welfare office.

These certificates are available from your G.P. and from the hospital you attend during in-patient care.

Disability Allowance

You may get this if you are not eligible for Disability Benefit and are unlikely to be able to work for at least a year due to your illness.

This allowance is means tested. It is paid to people who are aged 16-66.

Application forms are available from post offices, social welfare offices or the Disability Allowances Section, Social Welfare Services Office, Ballinalee Rd., Longford. Tel: 043 45211 or 01 874 8444.

Invalidity Pension

This is paid instead of a Disability Benefit if you are permanently incapable of work. Your eligibility for this pension will depend on your PRSI contributions.

You are entitled to a free travel pass. You may be entitled to extra benefits, subject to certain conditions such as bottled gas, telephone rental, fuel allowance and assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.

Application forms are available from the Invalidity Pension Section, Social Welfare Services Office, Ballinalee Rd., Longford. Tel: 043 45211 or 01 874 8444.

Carer’s Allowance

This is an allowance for carers on low incomes who look after someone who needs full time care and attention. This is a means tested allowance. Free telephone rental has been extended to carers giving full time care. There is also a contribution towards respite care.

For more advice, talk to your social worker and/or the Dept. of Social, Community and Family Affairs.

Application forms are available from your social welfare office or from the Carer’s Allowance Section, Social Welfare Services Office, Ballinallee Rd., Longford. Tel: 043 45211 or 01 874 8444.

Appliances

For patients who have medical cards most appliances are free of charge.

Travel to hospital

Patients are faced with many expenses including travelling to and from hospital. Should this be a source of considerable expense to you discuss it with your social worker at the hospital. Limited help may be available from your community welfare officer.

Patients with medical cards should check with the local health board, as there may be a minibus or ambulance service available.

Further information on your entitlements

Depending on your circumstances at time of illness, there are many other benefits and entitlements which may be relevant to you. You should have your PPS number (formerly RSI number) available when you are enquiring about benefits and entitlements. The most direct way to check your eligibility is to contact:

Your community welfare officer in your local health centre.

The medical social worker in the hospital you are attending.

For social welfare queries contact:

Information Service

Dept. of Social Community and Family Affairs,

Aras Mhic Dhiarmada,

Store Street,

Dublin 2.

Tel: 01 874 8444

Email: info@welfare.ie

Website: http://www.welfare.ie