Cataract Surgery for Galway residents under the Cross Border Directive now known as Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme
A transformative initiative which applies to all European Union and European Economic Area (EEA) member states. The Cross-Border Directive allows patients from Galway and any other location in Ireland to avail of cataract surgery at our Belfast facilities and be reimbursed the full treatment cost by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The application process to receive cross border healthcare is relatively straightforward, with our Patient Care Team on-hand to assist patients throughout each stage of the process. In order for Galway eye patients to qualify for the scheme, individuals must receive a referral letter, from a GP or specialist. Patients must qualify for the same treatment as a public patient in the Republic of Ireland. Following the upfront payment for consultation and surgery, Galway based patients can claim full reimbursement through the Health Service Executive (HSE). Please note, however, that Galway based patients will receive no reimbursement for related costs such as travel, meals, accommodation and overnight stays in hospital.
How Galway Patients Can Qualify
To receive reimbursement, patients must:
- Reside in Ireland;
- Be entitled to public healthcare;
- Not receive benefits from any other EEA or EU member state;
- Travel abroad (ie. Northern Ireland) to receive treatment;
- Receive a referral letter from a GP or public specialist;
- Submit a letter demonstrating they are on a waiting list; and
- Seek reimbursement abroad (i.e. in the Republic of Ireland) after payment has been processed.
