Hospital Charges

Entitlement to health services for those with cancer is the same as for all patients. Entitlement to in-patient hospital services for cancer patients is the same as for all other citizens.

Holders of medical cards (full eligibility) do not have to pay hospital charges for public beds in HSE hospital. People with G.P. only cards or no medical card will incur daily in-patient and out-patient charges and some long-term stay charges.

Charges for out-patient’s/accidents and emergency/casualty services in public hospitals

No charge for medical card holders with full eligibility.

In cases of excessive hardship, a HSE Area may provide the service free of charge.

If you have to return for further visits in relation to the same illness or accident, you do not have to pay the charge again.

You can be referred by your family doctor to the out-patients department of a public hospital for specialist assessment by a consultant or for diagnostic assessments. If you attend this service as a public patient, you will not have to pay for this service.

In-patient charges in public hospitals ( There has been a 10% increase in hospital charges in the 2008 budget announced on the 5th Dec 07)

If you are in a public ward under the care of a consultant for treatment and you remain overnight, you are receiving in-patient services

If you are admitted to the hospital under the care of a consultant where you do not require the use of a bed overnight, you are receiving day services.

The charge for in-patient/day services is €66 per day.

Private/semi-private Patients in public or voluntary hospitals

If you are in a private/semi-private bed in a public or voluntary hospital, you must pay the set charge. These charges are in addition to the public hospital in-patient charges

As a private patient, you must pay for any consultants involved in caring for you.

Private treatment in a private hospital

If you opt for private care in a private hospital, you must pay the full cost of treatment and maintenance. Access is through referral from your family doctor. It is not possible to avail of public services in a private hospital. Your private health insurance may cover some or all of the costs involved.

You may be charged €66. With a referral from your GP there is no charge.