Dialysis units seek to facilitate holiday dialysis patients from other jurisdictions where possible. Priority is given to those travelling for family occasions.
Under EU regulations people requiring certain specialised treatments, including dialysis, may access such care under EU arrangements while on a temporary stay in another Member State.
The European Health Insurance Card [EHIC] is issued under the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1408/71 and ensures that a person who is eligible for public healthcare in one EU Member State can access necessary public healthcare in another Member State while on a temporary stay there. These arrangements also apply in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The service is provided on the basis that prior agreements are entered into with regard to the availability of the particular service. The arrangement is made in advance between the patient's unit and the proposed holiday destination. It should be noted that the EHIC Card does not cover the cost of treatment in a private setting, nor does it cover individuals travelling from countries outside the EU. Such patients need to arrange with their health insurer to have the necessary treatment made available and to contract directly with the private sector.
My Department has asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy regarding the locations where public dialysis services can be accessed.