Bill to help Northern Irish residents access Euro healthcare

A Bill that provides health benefits similar to the European Health Insurance Card to eligible residents of Northern Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit, has passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Health and Childcare Support (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2019 will enable eligible residents of Northern Ireland to be reimbursed by Ireland for the cost of necessary medical care incurred while abroad in an EU or EEA Member State, or Switzerland.

Part 3 of the Bill provides for an amendment to the Childcare Support Act 2018 to make explicit provision for British citizens to access the National Childcare Scheme on the same basis as Irish citizens.

“The Government has identified as a clear priority, in the context of contingency planning for a no-deal Brexit, the provision of healthcare benefits to eligible residents of Northern Ireland,” said Minister for Health Simon Harris.

“I want to thank all those in the Oireachtas for their work in helping ensure this legislation was passed before October 31st. Our priority has always been to ensure the people of Northern Ireland can continue to have access to necessary healthcare when travelling in Europe, the costs of which can now be claimed back through a reimbursement mechanism under Irish law, which is of significant benefit to eligible residents in Northern Ireland.”