New or Returning to Live in Ireland

Healthcare in Ireland is a little complicated, as is diabetes care. Where you access your diabetes care depends on what type of diabetes you have been diagnosed with and whether you are in a position to access private or public healthcare. This webpage was created to help guide new residents through the Irish healthcare system for diabetes care.

The information on this webpage is for people who were diagnosed with diabetes in other countries and need to understand how to access their diabetes care in Ireland. You may be completely new to life in Ireland, or you may be moving back to Ireland after living abroad for a few years.

The information in this webpage comes from the Citizen’s Information website under “Health”, from Diabetes Ireland’s FAQ webpage, and the HSE National Clinical Programme for Diabetes webpages. However, this information is provided from a wealth of lived experience shared by the Irish Diabetes Online Community #IREDOC.

Before we provide the steps to get access to diabetes care in Ireland, let's go over some general information about Irish healthcare.


Where do people with diabetes in Ireland access their diabetes care?

People with type 1 diabetes living in Ireland access most of their diabetes care in hospital-based diabetes clinics where they should have access to an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse specialist and dietitian. This can be either through a free public hospital or a fee-paying private hospital.

Most people with other types of diabetes are managed through their GP and, if they have a Medical or GP visit card, can access the local Community or Enhanced Care hubs as per the Chronic Disease Management Programme (source page 25 of the Integrated Model of Care for People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 2024).

Our diabetes medications, pumps and sensor supplies are provided to most Irish residents through the Long Term Illness Scheme once you have an up-to-date prescription from a healthcare provider.

In Irish healthcare, your GP or General Practitioner is almost like the centre of operations, even though you may not see them often. Your GP is required to sign your Medical or GP Services Card application and your LTI application. You will also need a GP to refer you to a Public Diabetes Clinic or a Private Endocrinologist, whichever you prefer.

Overview of Irish Healthcare

The Irish health system can be incredibly confusing if you are new to Ireland, so we at Thriveabetes have created some information to help you navigate the diabetes services if you live with type 1 diabetes.

There are two systems: a free public service and a fee-paying private service.

Primary care is mostly provided by GPs (General Practitioners) and is part of the fee-paying service unless you have a Medical or a GP Services Card.

Secondary or hospital-based services are free public services through public hospitals, but there are also fee-paying private hospitals and clinics available, which can be subsidised through private health insurance.

Public health services are provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Most public hospitals run diabetes clinics as part of the free public service.

So, the first step in your journey towards accessing diabetes care is to determine if you are eligible to access free public healthcare.

What are the steps to access diabetes care in Ireland?

There are 5 steps in this list, but they are interchangeable and can be done out of order. However, I would recommend starting with step 1 before moving to step 2.

Step 1. Am I entitled to access Public Health Services?

The Citizen’s Information webpage, “Health services when you return to Ireland” contains much of the information that you will need to begin the process of accessing type 1 diabetes care in Ireland, which states:

a. Entitlement to public health services (from Citizen’s Information, entitlement to public health services)

Everyone who is an ordinarily resident in Ireland and certain visitors to Ireland are entitled to a range of public health services either free of charge or at a reduced cost. You are ordinarily resident if you have been living in Ireland for at least a year or you intend to live here for at least one year.

b. Do I need private health insurance?

Citizen’s Information states that Private health insurance in Ireland is optional and provides some important information to know in advance of buying insurance, which you can find at this link.

In order to access this hospital-based clinic, you will need to be referred by a General Practitioner (GP), so the next step is to find a GP. It is worth noting here that Ireland currently has a shortage of GPs, and it may be difficult to find one that is currently taking on new patients.

Step 2. Find a GP

The “Find a GP (doctor) in Ireland” webpage on the Citizens’ Information website will provide you with links to where you can do this.

GP services are mostly private practices, so you will have to pay for your consultation unless you are eligible for a Medical or GP Services Card. So, Step 3 is to find out if you are eligible for a Medical or GP Services Card.



Step 3. Are you eligible for a Medical or GP Services Card

You may be eligible for a Medical or GP Services Card if your income is below a certain level or if you fit some of the exemptions. Again, Citizensinformation.ie has excellent information about the qualifying criteria around medical cards here.


Step 4. Find out if you are eligible for a Long Term Illness (LTI) Card.

Most people in Ireland are registered on the LTI scheme and get their diabetes medications and supplies free of charge, with a prescription, through their pharmacy. A more detailed explanation of the LTI is provided here, and you may be eligible for an LTI Card. You will need a Personal Public Service (PPS) number to apply for these resources. The LTI application form needs to be printed and posted to the address on the form once it is signed by your GP or Diabetes Team. The application and other information can be downloaded from the HSE’s webpage, “About the Long Term Illness Scheme”.

Step 5. Finding a hospital-based diabetes clinic

As mentioned, most people with type 1 diabetes in Ireland access their diabetes care in hospital-based diabetes clinics. This can be done either through a free public hospital or a fee-paying private hospital. Your GP needs to refer you to whichever one you choose to go to.

Public Diabetes Clinic

Public Diabetes Clinics are usually based in public hospitals and are run by HSE. Your GP will most likely refer you to the closest one to you. However, you should be aware that not all public diabetes clinics are equally resourced with specialist diabetes education courses such as DAFNE or offer Insulin Pumps as a treatment option.

Private Diabetes Clinic

The Private Hospitals Association has a list of most of the Private Hospitals in Ireland. However, the Beacon Hospitals network is not included in that list; it can be found here.

Where can I get my prescriptions?

Your GP or Diabetes team can write your prescriptions, which are fulfilled by a chemist. Your GP may charge to renew prescriptions, but your diabetes team will not. Your diabetes prescriptions may be required to be renewed every 6-12 months.


Additional Services

Eye Screening

People with diabetes can also avail of bi-annual or annual diabetic retinopathy screening through the National Screening Service; you can self-refer, or your GP can register you. This HSE webpage contains more information on how to self-register here.


Footcare

According to the HSE’s A to Z on “Avoiding Complications”, if you have a low risk for foot disease, your feet should be checked every year by a professional, such as:

  • your GP

  • a practice nurse

  • a diabetes team member or

  • a podiatrist

However, it’s a little ambiguous about who the preferred professional is to do this.

If you are moderate to high risk, you are referred to a Foot Protection Team in your local HSE Community Podiatry Centre, also known as a Chronic Disease Centre ECC.

If you have any concerns about the health of your feet or if you notice any numbness, pain or tingling, contact your diabetes team for a referral to a podiatry specialist.



Hopefully, this webpage has provided a basic overview of what to expect of diabetes care in Ireland. Please don’t hesitate to connect with the Irish Diabetes Online Community through any of the groups here or to reach out to us at info@Thriveabetes.ie