This page is available in other languages:
Ukrainian - Медичні послуги для українців, які прибувають до Ірландії
Russian - Медицинские услуги для украинцев, прибывающих в Ирландию
If you arrive in Ireland from Ukraine, you can get support from the Irish State. This includes a place to stay, financial support (social welfare), the right to work, and healthcare services.
The HSE (Health Service Executive) is Ireland’s public healthcare service.
Keeping well in winter
Services available to you
You will be able to get the same healthcare services as people who live in Ireland.
You will also be able to apply to the HSE for a medical card. You need this card to get some healthcare services free of charge in Ireland.
You will be able to get care from the following:
The HSE is making arrangements for these services to be provided. This will be available in English, Ukrainian and Russian.
About the Irish health system
Система охорони здоров’я в Ірландії
О системе здравоохранения в Ирландии
If you do not speak English
If you do not speak English, tell the medical staff and ask if they can arrange an interpreter for you. In some cases, the hospital or health clinic can provide an interpreter.
Medical card
If you have a medical card, you do not have to pay to see your GP or pay for medicines your GP prescribes.
You need a Personal Public Service (PPS) number to apply for a medical card.
A PPS number is a unique reference number that helps you access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland. A PPS number is always 7 numbers followed by 1 or 2 letters.
You will get information about how to get a PPS number at the National Transit Centre, Citywest Dublin. If you are already in Ireland, go to your local Intreo centre or branch office. Staff will help you to get a PPS number.
Find an Intreo Centre or Branch office - gov.ie
Applying for a medical card during your first year
During your first year in Ireland you automatically qualify for a medical card. This is called a UKR medical card.
You need the following to apply for a UKR medical card:
- your name, address and date of birth
- PPS number
To apply for a UKR medical card:
- Complete the UKR application form - make sure all your information is correct.
- If you know your preferred GP, ask them to complete and stamp section 3 of the form. If you do not have a preferred GP, leave section 3 blank and we will assign a GP to you and your family.
- Post the completed form to the National Medical Card Unit, PO Box 11745, Dublin 11, D11 XKF3 or email the completed form to PCRS.Applications@HSE.ie.
English application form for the UKR medical card
Ukrainian application form for the UKR medical card
Russian application form for the UKR medical card
Contact us if you change address. You may lose eligibility if you do not keep your contact details up to date.
Applying for a medical card after 1 year
After 1 year in Ireland, you do not automatically qualify for a medical card. But you can still apply for a medical card.
If you already have a medical card, we will send you a letter to complete a medical card review.
We assess your application based on your income and certain expenses. If your income is above our threshold, you may not qualify for a card.
Assessment for a medical card
For people included in your application, you need to provide:
- PPS numbers
- dates of birth
- information about your income and expenses
- GP details
If you are applying for a medical card and 3 GPs have declined to accept you, contact us. We will assign you a GP.
Apply for a medical card
Contact
In a life threatening emergency, call 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance. These numbers are free to call and work on any phone.
For general information about health services, call the HSE’s contact centre (HSE Live). Our team speak Ukrainian and we’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Call HSElive on 1800 700 700 or 00 353 1 240 8787 and select option 3.
GP services are usually open from 9am to 6pm on Monday to Friday. If you need urgent medical care outside of these hours, contact an out of hours service.
Find a GP out-of-hours service
More information
The Department of Justice provides more information for Ukrainians who are travelling to Ireland.
Read more information for Ukrainians travelling to Ireland on irishimmigration.ie
Інформація про COVID-19 українською - Ukrainian COVID-19 information
Информация о COVID-19 - Russian COVID-19 information
Find public health guidance and resources on the Health Protection Surveillance Centre website
