Background

The Department of Health has introduced a Republic of Ireland (ROI) Reimbursement Scheme for a period of 12 months.  This new scheme opened on 1 July 2021 and is available to ordinary residents of Northern Ireland. The scheme provides an option for those patients who may wish to access private treatment in ROI and claim reimbursement of Health & Social Care (HSC) equivalent cost. The scheme is based on the EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive.

How it works:

The eligible patient:

• decides that s/he wishes to access private treatment in ROI.
• sources their ROI provider.
• applies to the Board for prior authorisation
• arranges and has treatment
• pays for treatment and
• then seeks reimbursement from the Board.