Irish patients awaiting medical treatment in the Republic of Ireland have the right to access treatment in Northern Ireland — in either a public or private healthcare setting. If you are entitled to public health services in the Republic of Ireland and choose to be treated in Northern Ireland, you can be reimbursed by the HSE for your medical treatment under the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (NIPHS).
Why wait for treatment?
Skip long public waiting lists at home. Friends Medical Services has a dedicated Cross-Border team to guide you through every step — from referral to appointment to HSE repayment.
How to access treatment
Contact the FMS Cross-Border team by phone on 015 134 256 or email [email protected].
You are assigned a specific consultant for your treatment.
Visit your own GP for a referral letter, addressed to your Friends Medical Services consultant.
Send the referral letter to Friends Medical Services and book your appointment with the consultant.
Attend the clinic for your consultation. If a procedure is needed it can often be carried out the same day, or you will be offered the next available appointment.
Am I eligible for treatment in Northern Ireland?
To receive healthcare in Northern Ireland and claim a repayment under the NIPHS, you must:
- Be ordinarily resident in Ireland — living in Ireland for at least 1 year.
- Be entitled to public healthcare in Ireland.
- Travel to Northern Ireland for your healthcare.
- Have a referral from a GP or public hospital consultant in Ireland.
- Provide a copy of your referral letter, or a letter confirming you are on a public waiting list in Ireland.
- Apply for repayment towards the cost of your Northern Ireland healthcare after you have paid for it.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for the NIPHS, contact the NIPHS office before you travel.
How to apply to the HSE for repayment
Once you have paid for your treatment, you can apply to the HSE for repayment under the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme.
Speak to our Cross-Border team
We’ll guide you from referral through to treatment and your HSE repayment application.