Cataract Surgery for Dublin residents under the Cross Border Directive now known as Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme
The Cross Border Directive allows those seeking cataract surgery in Dublin to access treatment – fully reimbursed – at our Belfast based facilities. To be deemed suitable, patients must secure a valid referral and they must qualify for the same treatment as a public patient in Ireland. Following the upfront payment for Consultation and Surgery, Dublin based patients can claim full reimbursement through the Health Service Executive. It is important to note that CBD patients cannot claim reimbursement for travel costs or the cost of any medicine required post-treatment. Across each stage of the Cross Border Directive process, our clinical staff ensure that applicants meet all relevant eligibility criteria and complete all necessary documentation. Ultimately, we ensure that patients seeking cataract surgery in Dublin can be treated in our Belfast clinic, with seamless reimbursement from the Health Service Executive.
How Dublin Patients Can Qualify for the Cross Border Directive
In order to be reimbursed under the scheme, patients must:
- Be ordinarily resident in Ireland;
- Be legally entitled to public healthcare in Ireland;
- Not be in receipt of state benefits from any other EU or EEA member state;
- Travel abroad (in this case, north of the border) to access treatment;
- Receive a referral for public healthcare from a GP or hospital consultant in Ireland;
- Provide a copy of the referral letter or hospital letter demonstrating that they are on a waiting list; and
- Apply for reimbursement abroad (ie. south of the border) after they have paid for it.
