Ireland has a public and private health care system for hospitals and specialist requirements. In an emergency where an ambulance takes a patient to hospital that patient receives excellent care free of charge. Accident and emergency is open to everybody, but depending on a patient's condition, there can be a very lengthy wait and a small charge operates.

It is recommended that people use their local general practioner as a first port port of call whether it be a minor accident or just a general medical condition. The GP will access the situation and if necessary refer the patient to hospital or to a consultant in the relevant area.

When a property is chosen Executive Relocations will identify a local doctor, dentist and creche in the area. In Ireland doctors still make house calls even at night if the situation warrants it. It may be an agency doctor covering for the local GP but the same high standard pertains. Private health care is covered by three or four companies. Usually employers have a health scheme at a special rate covering all their employees who wish to avail of it, so it is best to stay with their scheme.

There are small variations in the private health companies but most operate on the system of the patient first presenting to their general practioneer and having him or her assess the situation to see if further investigation is necessary. With the exception of the unemployed or those on a medical card the cost of the visit is about €50 and is bourne by the patient. More information is in our information pack.