Claim Money Back under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive

Step-by-Step Guide for Irish Patients – How to Claim Money Back from the HSE

Under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive (CBD)

The EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive allows Irish residents to receive planned medical treatment — including bariatric surgery — in another EU country and apply for reimbursement from the HSE afterward.
Here’s a clear guide to help you understand who qualifies and how the process works.

Who Is Eligible to Claim Bariatric Surgery Costs from the HSE?

You may qualify for reimbursement if you meet the following criteria:

✅ 1. You live in Ireland

You must have lived in Ireland for the past 12 months or intend to live there for the next 12 months.

✅ 2. You are eligible for bariatric surgery in the Irish public system

Bariatric surgery is publicly available in Ireland for patients who meet the standard criteria:

• BMI 35+ with an obesity-related condition, or

• BMI 40+ without other conditions

The current waiting time in Ireland is approximately 7–9 years.

✅ 3. You have an in-person consultation before surgery

For inpatient procedures such as bariatric surgery, an in-person outpatient consultation is required.
This will be arranged for you in Latvia the day before your surgery.
You will receive a consultation confirmation letter (in English) for your claim.

✅ 4. You have a referral from your public GP

Your GP referral must be addressed to the treating hospital and surgeon abroad.
Private insurance referrals are not accepted.
A confirmation letter from an Irish public hospital showing you are on a waiting list is also acceptable.

Referral details must be addressed to:

Dr. Olegs Kozlovskis
Sigulda Hospital
Lakstigalas iela 13
Sigulda, LV-2150
Latvia

What Costs Will the HSE Reimburse?

The HSE reimburses:

• Medical costs you paid directly to the hospital abroad

• Up to the cost of equivalent treatment in the Irish public system (based on DRG prices)

The HSE does not reimburse:

• Travel, flights, accommodation, transfers

• Translation fees

• Non-medical or optional services

Your Step-by-Step Path From Referral to Refund

Step 1 — Get a Correct GP Referral Letter

Your GP referral must include:

• Your full name, date of birth, address

• Destination hospital and surgeon

• Your medical history

• Weight, BMI

• Why you would benefit from bariatric surgery

• A date before your consultation/surgery

Step 2 — Book Your Consultation & Surgery Date

We will arrange your in-person consultation with Dr. Olegs Kozlovskis the day before surgery (required under the Directive).

Step 3 — Have Your Surgery in Latvia & Pay the Hospital

CBD works on a refund basis:
You pay the hospital directly and the HSE refunds you. 
You will receive invoices and receipts in English.

Step 4 — Gather Documents for Your HSE Claim

You will need:

• HSE CBD healthcare costs application form (we will provide you one)

• Consultation confirmation (from the surgeon)

• GP referral letter (or public waiting list letter)

• Proof of payment (invoice, receipt, bank statement, card receipt)

We will guide you through each document.

Step 5 — Submit Your Application to the HSE

Send your completed file to:

HSE Cross-Border Directive Office
National Contact Point
St. Canice’s Hospital Complex
Dublin Road
Kilkenny

📧 crossborderdirective@hse.ie
📞 056 778 4546 or 056 772 0551

Processing time: approx. 6 weeks, once a complete file is received.

Practical Tips to Ensure a Smooth Reimbursement

• Make sure your referral letter is dated before your consultation.

• Keep copies of all invoices and receipts.

• Use only public GP referrals, not private insurance.

• All medical documentation is provided by us in English.

• HSE reimburses patients directly, not the clinic.

⚠️ Important! — Choose Only Certified, Regulated Hospital Abroad

Under the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, the hospital abroad must be officially recognised and certified by the country’s medical authorities.
Sigulda Hospital in Latvia is a fully EU-certified general hospital, ensuring safety, accountability, and compliance with EU healthcare standards.

Choosing non-certified clinics abroad may put both your health and your reimbursement at risk.