Cataract Surgery for Limerick residents under the Cross Border Directive now known as Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme
An EU-wide Directive that applies to all EU and EEA member states, the Cross-Border Directive allows Irish patients (including residents of Limerick) to avail of cataract surgery, north of the border and be fully reimbursed through the Health Service Executive (HSE). Payment is processed prior to treatment, after which a full reimbursement for treatment costs will be covered by the Health Service Executive (HSE). It is important to note that reimbursement will not be offered for related costs such as travel, accommodation and stays in hospital.
CBD Cataract Surgery: How to Qualify
In order to qualify for treatment cost 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.