Vol. 547 No. 1
571 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if health services are available to Irish citizens in other EU countries; the role of E111 forms in this regard; if these forms will be available in all health board clinics; the categories of health board personnel entitled to sign these forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1858/02]
Form E111 provides entitlement to immediate necessary medical treatment during a temporary stay in a European Union or European Economic Area member state on the same basis as if the person was an insured resident of that member state. It is important to note that in some instances accessing these services may incur a charge. However, such charges would be in line with charges imposed on residents of that country. Temporary stays are periods where a person cannot be considered resident in a member state under that country's legislation. Form E111 is available from health boards and all persons ordinarily resident in Ireland are eligible to obtain this form. This covers public treatment only and any person who opts for private treatment is liable for any expenses incurred. It is important to remember that the E111 may not cover all one's medical expenses. The E112 and the E128 are two other forms that enable Irish residents to access treatment in other member states. Where an individual requires specific treatment which is necessary and which is not available in Ireland, a health board may authorise the provision of treatment in another member state with the E112 form.
Under European Union regulations, form E128 certifies entitlement to full health cover for posted workers, their dependants who accompany them abroad, and also for students and their dependants who accompany them abroad for the duration of the course. The E128 form does not need to be registered in the country of posting or study but is presented at the time treatment is required. E128 holders are entitled to full medical treatment in any EEA country for any condition, whether or not it is of an emergency nature. The form covers students and accompanying family dependants who are temporarily staying in another EEA member country to study a recognised course. The E128 does not cover family dependants who do not accompany the student abroad for the duration of the course. Such dependants, who may visit the student for a holiday, are entitled to form E111 for urgent treatment only. As the E128 is not a registration form, health boards are advised that medical cards should not be issued as a general rule. However, a health board may decide to issue a medical card because of a particular individual's medical circumstances.
