Overview
In Ireland, there is a public system run by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as well as a private care system, for those with private health insurance. The public system is free for those who have a Medical Card. A Medical Card is given based on the person’s circumstances and/or income level. For example, if you are unemployed or your income is below a certain threshold, you will be entitled to the Medical Card. With the Medical Card, you get access to free GP appointments, free prescribed drugs. People without a Medical Card will have to pay €45 – €70 for a doctor’s appointment.
For people who have type 1 diabetes, you are not automatically eligible for a Medical Card, but you are for a Long Term Illness Scheme Card. With the Long Term Illness Scheme Card, you still have to pay €45 – €70 for a doctor’s appointment (unless you also have a Medical Card, then it’s free). However, you will have free access to the specialised diabetes team at the hospital including nurses, consultants, dieticians and psychologists. You will also get free insulin, continuous glucose monitoring system, needles and blood glucose test strips.
What happens if you want to see a doctor?
To see your general doctor, you are able to call or walk into the clinic and make an appointment. If you need to see the specialised diabetes team, you will need to be referred by your doctor, then you will be able to make an appointment with them directly as needed. You should be able to call them anytime, or email them to ask for advice and guidance. They also hold online training sessions throughout the year.
If you are experiencing serious complications or other health issues, you can visit the Accident and Emergency department within your local hospital. As of April 2023, day services and public inpatient care is free for everyone. However, if you do not have a medical card, you may be charged €100 for a visit to the Accident and Emergency department.
Who decides what medicines a doctor can prescribe?
The The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is responsible for deciding the legal supply category for a medicine. The HPRA tests drugs and medicines for safety, quality and efficacy and provides licenses to distribute prescription medicines.
Practically, what is it like to live with type 1 diabetes in Ireland?
People with type 1 diabetes must inform the driving license authority of their diagnosis and will no longer be eligible for the usual 10 year license, but instead, to a 3 year one. Every 3 years, you will need to submit a medical review from your doctor for your driving license to be renewed.
It is recommended that you inform your employers about having type 1 diabetes so that they can make reasonable adjustments, however it is not a requirement.
What about getting admitted to hospital?
During the winter, the pressure on the healthcare system increases due to higher levels of illness in the general population. However, you may still be able to be admitted to a hospital the same day that you are referred, or visit an Accident and Emergency department.
How does diabetes care vary throughout Ireland?
In the city, you are typically not too far from a specialised diabetes team at a major hospital.
In more rural areas, there may be a lot of travel required to reach a hospital, and not every hospital may have a dedicated diabetes team.
Thanks to Tony for providing us with this information. We appreciate your support!
Last updated 2023