I'm an American citizen moving to Ireland with my husband for graduate school. We just found out I'm pregnant. Will my health costs relating to the pregnancy and birth be covered under European Union laws?
2007-07-13 11:15:27 · 11 answers · asked by mmc 2 in Travel ➔ Ireland ➔ Other - Ireland
If you have residency at the time,no you don't.I am Australian and I lived in Ireland for 14 years and had my 3 children there and didn't have to pay a cent.You also don't have to pay for your baby's check up's for 6 weeks after it's born.Your best bet is to get in contact with the Irish embassy just to be on the safe side.Take care.
2007-07-13 19:08:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. They are two different countries at this time in history. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, The Republic of Ireland, is free and independant. They both have their own laws regarding health care. Under EU laws, which you are asking about, apply to people who are citizens of EU countries. The USA is not a part of the European Union.
If an EU citizen was taken ill in the USA and did not have insurance, they would be treated, and persued for payment even resulting in the having their home taken away to recover the costs. This has happened many times.
Therefore, it is only right that you should and will have to pay for your pregnancy costs whilst in Ireland. However, I can tell you that they don't always ask for proof of nationality. I hope that they do in your case as it is only fair. If we have to pay when we are in the USA, you have to pay when you are in Europe.
However, your own USA insurance may cover you when abroad. They should do because it will only cost them about 10% of what it will cost them if your baby is born in the USA, if you are covered for preganancy of course.
Hope that helps
2007-07-13 11:30:41 · answer #2 · answered by trouble_906 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Better check it out with the HSE (Health Service Executive) medical treatment (free) is available on means testing for EU citizens, private health care is expensive, no great long waiting lists etc. but some hospitals cover private patients only, mainly those patients who have private insurance. Different areas have different health boards so check with the area you hope to reside in. Best of luck to you all.
2007-07-13 11:32:01 · answer #3 · answered by Margaret C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ireland does in fact have a national health service, they are divided into regions, so find out which regional office you would be going to, and contact them.
You could also investigate private health insurance options, there are 3 companies in Ireland, VHI, Bupa and another that I can't remember the name of, but they are not expensive compared to the extortionate private healthcare scam that is ongoing in the US.
2007-07-15 00:40:59 · answer #4 · answered by Orla C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ireland have differnt rules regarding health care so it is very doubtful.
My cousin was living out in the Ireland and she is had to pay for her health care when she gave birth so check what health insurance you have and what it covers
2007-07-13 11:25:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
unfortunately yes, we the people of Ireland will cover the cost for you and your baby. You might wish to cosider private health care whilst you are here though, to ease the burden.
2007-07-16 06:41:05 · answer #6 · answered by Why When How 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I don't know. Maybe you should take this up with the UK & Ireland version of Yahoo! Answers. Click United Kingdom at the bottom of this page.
2016-05-17 05:53:05 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not think so as you are not a european union citizen and have not contributed to the UK healthcare system. However, i suggest you try the links below and email the NHS direct.
Northern Ireland is part of Great Britain (The United Kingdom) and as far as i am aware has the same health service as mainland Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).
http://www.n-i.nhs.uk/
is an excellent place to check out N Ireland NHS Care. You can email them and ask what your entilements to care are (if any) at http://www.n-i.nhs.uk/index.php?link=contact
Southern Ireland (the Republic of Ireland) is a different country (staunchly Catholic) and does not belong to the UK NHS health service.
Go to
http://www.answers.com/topic/health-care-in-the-republic-of-ireland
for further info on their health care system.
Hope this helps
.
2007-07-13 11:43:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Depends i think, Ireland doesnt have a national health service but N. Ireland does!!! althoguht to use the NHS in N. Ireland i think you have to be a citizen of the UK!!
2007-07-13 11:24:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
all pre-natal care and the birth is free, and for 6 weeks after the birth. you will be in a ward with others.
if you want to go private you can for a fee
2007-07-15 23:25:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋