Before you travel for healthcare abroad you should:
You should also read the guide on applying for Cross Border Directive repayment before you get healthcare abroad so you understand:
Prior authorisation is confirmation from the Cross Border Directive office in Ireland that you:
But if you are travelling abroad for inpatient care we advise you to apply for prior authorisation. Inpatient care is treatment that involves an overnight stay in hospital. You do not need prior authorisation if you are having day case treatment.
Before you travel abroad you’ll have:
It also gives you time to decide if you:
To apply for prior authorisation you must submit:
You and your consultant must fully complete and sign the form.
The consultant must make a note of the correct DRG (Diagnosis-Related Group) code for the inpatient treatment you are getting. They must put this on the form.
The consultant can get the correct DRG code from the document called the 'Admitted Patient Price List Summary (Inpatient).
This document will also help to give you an indication of how much you can claim back from us for the healthcare you receive.
Once you and your consultant have completed the prior authorisation application form you must send it and the supporting documents to:
The National Contact Point Office
Cross Border Directive
HSE
St Canice’s Hospital
Kilkenny
Co. Kilkenny
We usually take about 20 working days to decide on your application for prior authorisation.
If we approve your application, you can then go abroad to get your healthcare knowing you will be able to seek repayment towards the cost of the healthcare.
Prior authorisation is given for the healthcare you apply for.
On the day of your healthcare, your healthcare may change. The consultant may decide you need:
The actual healthcare you have may be different from the one you got prior authorisation for.
If this happens, you will only be eligible to be repaid for the actual healthcare you get.
You don't need prior authorisation to access healthcare abroad under the CBD. Prior authorisation is optional.
You can still get healthcare and claim repayment towards the cost of that healthcare once you are eligible and meet certain conditions
You might need to provide your healthcare provider abroad with your current medical records.
You should bring your records with you as well as information on any medicine you’re taking and any relevant test results.
Check with the GP or consultant who referred you or the doctor who’s treating you abroad about what information you need to bring.
Ask your GP or hospital in Ireland for your medical records.
We recommend that you take out travel insurance before you go abroad.
You should also take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.
The EHIC does not cover the cost of your healthcare under the CBD. But it will cover some other healthcare unrelated to your CBD treatment if you need them.