Health Care in Ireland

UK Pensions in Ireland

Using the public health care in Ireland while having public insurance in other country works on the similar basis as pension system. If you are a pensioner, you need to inform the IPC (International Pension Centre) to prevent problems with your pension payments (tel: 0191 218 7777).

Ireland has double taxation agreements with the UK so you will not be taxed twice, provided you ensure that the tax offices are aware of your circumstances. You can arrange to have your pension paid directly into your Irish bank account, and still benefit from the increases as if you still lived in Britain. Contact HMRC and your pension providers well before you leave the UK.

If you’ve only worked, lived or are working abroad then you must claim the state pension through the relevant authority of the country where you currently live and have worked in.

Irish pensioners to-be will be interested in this article’s section about jobs.

Health Care in Ireland

The Health Service Executive (HSE) delivers Ireland’s healthcare. It is funded by general taxes and is available to all, but it is not free of charge to everyone. Eligibility to free healthcare is based on residency and means, rather than social insurance contributions or tax payments. Many people in Ireland take out private health insurance.

If you are a resident then to become eligible for publicly funded healthcare, the following information must be provided:

• Proof of purchase or rental of property and evidence that this is the principal residence;
• Evidence of transfer of funds, pensions and so on;
• A residence permit;
• The applicant may have to sign a sworn statement (affidavit).

Contact your local HSE office for information about your pension payments and healthcare entitlement. You will need proof of your UK pension.

It is advisable to KEEP YOUR OWN ACCURATE AND DETAILED MEDICAL RECORDS! One good thing for us is that there is no language-barrier.

The NHS website gives excellent advice and up-to-date information.

Check the prices of removals to Ireland here.