In an emergency call 999 or 112 for an ambulance to take you to hospital. If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), there is no charge for hospital treatment in a public hospital.
In a crisis and need to talk to someone?
Health and Social Services General Information
If you are on holiday or staying temporarily in Ireland, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to get necessary medical treatment in Ireland free of charge. An EHIC only covers public healthcare. It does not cover private healthcare.
Students from other EU states may be considered ‘a visitor on a short-term stay’ up to a full academic year.
Apply for the card in your own country, before you come to Ireland. It’s free! More information
Local Doctor/General Practitioner (GP)
If you are visiting Ireland, you can get treatment by a Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) doctor for free with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
GP Out-of-Hours Services are for urgent medical care between 18:00 and 08:00 Monday to Friday and 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
Register with a GP/Doctor: If you intend to stay in Ireland, you should register with a GP promptly, as there can often be a waiting list. List of local GPs/doctors
Medical Expense Supports: Medical and GP Visit cards – More information. Drugs Payment Scheme – More information
Private Health Insurance – More information
Local Health Centres – your entry point to community health and personal social services. More information
Most dentists are private. Expect to pay €60 for initial consultation, with further fees depending on treatment required.
Free dental treatment is provided to certain citizens through the public health service. More information
If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can be treated by a PCRS dentist for free for necessary dental treatment. More information
You can visit a local pharmacy if you feel unwell. Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals. Many pharmacies are open late and on weekends, and are found in most villages and towns in Ireland. They can give you advice on minor illnesses, and can tell you if you need to see a GP. They sell medicines that don’t require a prescription; they also dispense medicines you have a prescription for. Information source: Pharmacies – HSE.ie
If you feel you need support with your mental health, it is important to remember that there are services that can help you.
In an emergency situation, and outside of GP hours, it is advisable to go to the accident and emergency department in your local hospital.
In a crisis and need to talk to someone?
Your GP or doctor is often the best place to start, as they can make direct referrals to Mental Health Services.
Aware provides support and information for people who experience depression or bipolar disorder, and for their concerned loved ones. Freephone – 1800804848.
Pieta provides free counselling to those with suicidal ideation, those engaging in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. Staff are fully qualified and provide a professional one-to-one therapeutic service.
Jigsaw is an early intervention, primary care service for young people’s mental health. Service is directed at young people aged 12–25, and at parents/caregivers.
Sexual health is an important part of overall health. Taking ownership of your sexual health can help protect you and your partner(s) from sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), HIV and pregnancy. More information
Free Contraception is available to all people between 17 and 25 who can get pregnant. Free condoms and lube are also available through sexual health clinics and student unions (SUs) around the country. More information
If you have any questions about your sexual health, ask your doctor (GP) or pharmacist.
In Ireland, the legal age for sexual consent is 17, for people of every sexual orientation and gender. More information
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Eurodesk Ireland
King’s Inns House
Parnell Street
Dublin 1 D01 A3Y8
Contact Us
E: eurodesk(at)leargas.ie
T: 087 1883748/ 01 887 1210
Erasmus+ is managed in Ireland by Léargas and the Higher Education Authority.
