EU CROSS BORDER HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE IRELAND. HOW TO APPLY

EU CROSS BORDER HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE IRELAND. HOW TO APPLY

The EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, formally known as Directive 2011/24/EU, is a European Union (EU) law that aims to facilitate patients' access to healthcare services across EU member states. Adopted in 2011, the directive establishes rules and procedures for patients seeking medical treatment in another EU country and seeking reimbursement for the costs of treatment.

Key provisions of the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive include:

1.Right to Access Healthcare in Another EU Country:

  • The directive ensures that EU citizens have the right to access healthcare services in another EU country under certain conditions. Patients may seek treatment abroad for various reasons, such as shorter waiting times, access to specialized care, or personal preference.

 

2.  Prior Authorisation Requirement, potentially:

  • Patients seeking planned or non-emergency treatment in another EU country may be required to obtain prior authorisation from their national health authorities. 

3. Reimbursement of Treatment Costs:

  • Patients who receive healthcare services in another EU country are entitled to reimbursement of the costs of treatment, which would be available on public healthcare system at home and up to the amount that would have been covered if the treatment had been received in their home country, not higher.

4. Quality and Safety Standards:

  • The directive includes provisions to ensure that healthcare services provided in another EU country meet quality and safety standards comparable to those in the patient's home country, therefore the patient can be sure that the medical facility is safe, specialists highly qualified and certified.

  • Patients have the right to receive information about the quality and safety of healthcare services available abroad, including accreditation of healthcare providers and outcomes data.

5. Information and Assistance:

  • EU member states are required to provide patients with information and assistance regarding their rights under the directive, including how to access healthcare services in another EU country, obtain prior authorisation, and seek reimbursement. These are called National Contact Points. 

6. Coordination and Cooperation:

  • The directive encourages cooperation and coordination among EU member states to facilitate cross-border healthcare and exchange best practices in healthcare delivery, quality assurance, and patient safety.

Watch the video with Ilva Urbanovica, Weight Loss Latvia and Roisin McGrath, Weight Loss Latvia bariatric patient from Ireland, Facebook Live about how to apply for weight loss surgery reimbursement by HSE in Ireland. 

Coming from Ireland for weight loss surgery with Weight Loss Latvia, you would need to have - 

✅ a referral letter to bariatric surgery from your GP (public) addressed to our surgeon in Sigulda Hospital (details will be provided),

✅ come for your weight loss surgery treatment paying privately,

✅ we will help you to fill and prepare all the necessary documentation to apply for reimbursement by HSE.

✅ note that your eligibility for surgery will be assessed also by the CBD office, the payment that can be reimbursed has to be made directly to the hospital and you would have to pay from your personal bank account, the 3rd person payments might be rejected.  

 

I will be happy to guide you through the process!

Ilva, Weight Loss Latvia 🧡

 

Apply for a free consultation here!