Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme
South Down Clinic welcomes all Republic of Ireland patients wishing to avail of the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme. This scheme entitles EU residents to access health services in EU member states other than their own.
Patients can access healthcare in public or private settings in the North of Ireland and claim reimbursement from the Health Service Executive (HSE) upon their return to the South. Reimbursement rates may be lower than clinic rates. They are stipulated by the HSE and patients can contact the Cross Border office directly to find out these HSE rates in advance.
Patient information
Find out more about becoming a patient at South Down Clinic in our patient info section.
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What to do?
- Dentist issues referral letter to patient
- Appointment is made with South Down Clinic
- On the day of the appointment, the patient will be requested to pay the full amount to South Down Clinic. However, we will issue a proforma invoice to the patient for the purposes of personally claiming reimbursement from the HSE
- On completion of treatment the patient can claim reimbursement. HSE aim to pay within 30 days from approval
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What is the application procedure?
No prior application is required. To receive reimbursement, patients should submit relevant invoice, receipts, pro-forma invoice etc to the HSE following treatment.
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If I am on a waiting list can I still apply?
Yes
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What do I need to do before booking my appointment?
There is no requirement to be on a waiting list in order to access healthcare under the Cross Border Directive. You must have followed public patient pathways (in general it is preferable to have a referral letter from your dentist for the treatment you are seeking abroad.)
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Do I need to pay upfront?
Patients are required to pay upfront and then need to claim reimbursement from the HSE. However, many credit unions in Ireland are providing funding in advance to enable patients to avail of this scheme which may be an option if you are considering using the Cross border directive.
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How and where do I apply for reimbursement?
Requests for reimbursement should be made through the National Contact Point, the details for which are listed in the pro-forma invoice. We will provide you with this invoice following your appointment.