01
The treatment is available through Ireland’s public health system
The Cross-Border Directive applies to healthcare that you would be entitled to access as a public patient in Ireland.
HSE Cross-Border Healthcare
Treatment in Poland
HSE reimbursement may be available
Eligible patients living in Ireland may be able to receive treatment in Poland and reclaim some or all of the eligible treatment cost through the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive.
Check whether my treatment may qualify
No obligation. We will explain the next steps in clear,
straightforward language.
Eligible treatment costs
Up to 100%
reimbursement
reimbursement
Treatment High-quality private care in Poland
Travel Approximately 2.5 hours from Ireland
Support Guidance throughout your treatment journey
Could you qualify?
The basic HSE requirements, made easier to understand
Eligibility depends on your personal circumstances and the requirements applying to your treatment. In general, the following conditions are important.
02
You follow the appropriate public referral pathway
This may involve a correctly prepared GP referral letter or, in some circumstances, a letter confirming your place on an Irish public waiting list.
03
Your referral is in place before treatment begins abroad
The relevant referral documentation must be dated and completed before your initial consultation or treatment abroad.
Understanding the reimbursement
Up to 100%
may be reimbursed
may be reimbursed
Reimbursement is based on the cost of the treatment through Ireland’s public health system or the actual cost of treatment abroad, whichever amount is lower.
What “up to 100%” means
Where the cost of treatment in Poland is lower than the relevant HSE reimbursement rate, an eligible patient may be able to reclaim the full treatment cost.
Every case is assessed individually by the HSE. MedTrip Poland cannot approve or guarantee reimbursement.
We can help you understand the process and ensure that the clinic knows which medical documentation may be required.
Treatments and investigations
A wide range of healthcare may be covered
The scheme is not limited to one type of procedure. Eligibility depends on whether the healthcare is available through the public system in Ireland and whether all HSE requirements are met.
ENT care
Septoplasty and ENT procedures
Specialist assessment and treatment for eligible ear, nose and throat conditions.
General surgery
Hernia surgery
Assessment and surgical treatment for eligible inguinal, umbilical and other hernias.
Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic procedures
Specialist consultations, diagnostics and selected surgical treatments.
Diagnostics
Medical investigations
Depending on the pathway, eligible investigations may include MRI, CT and other diagnostic services.
Gastroenterology
Gastroscopy and colonoscopy
Diagnostic endoscopy and related specialist assessment where clinically indicated.
Other care
Additional eligible treatments
Other procedures, specialist consultations and investigations may also qualify under the scheme.
Blepharoplasty may only be considered where it is medically necessary and all HSE eligibility criteria are met. Purely cosmetic treatment is not reimbursable.
Personal support
You do not have to navigate the process alone
MedTrip Poland helps patients living in Ireland arrange private treatment in Poland and understand the practical steps involved before and after travelling.
01
Clear information from the beginning
We explain the treatment pathway in straightforward, easy-to-understand language.
02
Clinic and appointment coordination
We help organise consultations, treatment dates and the information required by the clinic.
03
Support with the HSE process
We help you understand which documents may be required for your reimbursement application.
How it works
A clearer path from enquiry to treatment
Every patient pathway is different, but the overall process can be understood in four simple stages.
01
Tell us what treatment you need
Share your condition, procedure or investigation and any relevant medical information.
02
Understand the referral requirements
We explain the public patient pathway and what your referral documentation may need to include.
03
Arrange treatment in Poland
We coordinate the clinic, consultation and treatment arrangements once medical suitability is confirmed.
04
Apply to the HSE for reimbursement
After treatment, you submit your completed application and the supporting medical and payment documents.
Documentation
The right paperwork matters
Incomplete or incorrectly prepared documentation can delay an HSE application. We therefore make the paperwork requirements clear from the start.
01
Referral or waiting-list evidence
A correctly prepared GP referral or applicable public waiting-list confirmation.
02
Clinical documentation
Consultation notes, treatment records and the discharge documentation issued by the treating clinic.
03
Invoices and proof of payment
Original invoices, receipts and clear evidence that the patient paid the healthcare provider directly.
Important information before you proceed
The patient normally pays the healthcare provider in Poland before applying to the HSE for reimbursement.
Payment should be made directly to the treating hospital or clinic. Payments made to a third-party medical tourism company may not be accepted by the HSE as proof of payment for treatment.
Travel and accommodation expenses are generally not included in the treatment reimbursement.
Prior notification
Optional, but often useful
Prior Notification is not mandatory. It can help confirm the proposed treatment and indicative reimbursement amount before treatment takes place.
Consultation requirements
They depend on the type of treatment
Some inpatient pathways require an in-person consultation abroad before admission. Certain day-case pathways may permit telemedicine, subject to HSE and clinical requirements.
Processing time
Complete documents help prevent delays
The HSE aims to process fully completed reimbursement applications within approximately 30 working days, although delays may occur.
Your next step
Find out whether your treatment may qualify
Tell us which procedure, specialist consultation or medical investigation you need. We will explain the available treatment options in Poland and help you understand the HSE pathway.
Check my treatment Eligibility and reimbursement decisions are made solely by the HSE.
MedTrip Poland provides treatment coordination and general guidance
but cannot guarantee reimbursement. All medical treatment is
subject to individual assessment and qualification by the treating
clinician.
