Ireland's healthcare system is modern and efficient. The public health system is means-tested, with some services provided free to anyone who is ordinarily resident in Ireland, i.e. currently living in Ireland and intending to stay for at least a year, regardless of nationality. People on low incomes qualify for a Medical Card, entitling them to all medical, dental and optical services free of charge, including prescription medicines. EU nationals who are posted by their employer to work in Ireland on a temporary basis are eligible for Medical Card services.

Non-Medical Card holders who are ordinarily resident in Ireland are entitled to free in-patient hospital services, subject to a daily accommodation charge of €45, out-patient hospital services, emergency treatment and maternity and infant care services.

If you are a non-EU/ EEA national, to qualify for free public health services you will have to apply to your local Health Service Executive office. The HSE is likely to require proof of your address in Ireland, bank account details, and your residence permit or visa. Currently the HSE is continuing to manage the health service under the Health Act 1970 structures. The Health Boards no longer exist as corporate entities, however the structures which existed remain as divisions of the HSE until a plan of reorganisation is complete. Each former health board area operates as a division of the HSE and the former chief executive officer of each health board is now known as a chief officer for the HSE region. There is in the region of 120,000 staff working for the HSE.

There are many private health clinics in Ireland and many people choose to take out private health insurance, largely as a result of the long waiting lists for treatment in public hospitals.

Primary healthcare in Ireland is provided by general practitioners (GPs) who generally operate as sole traders or in practices with up to two other GPs and sometimes practice nurses. GPs generally charge on a per consultation fee basis. People with Medical Cards are exempt from charges.