Under EU Regulations, all persons ordinarily resident in Ireland are entitled to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which covers them for necessary health care during a temporary visit to another EU Member State. All persons are entitled to healthcare under EU regulations in another Member State even if they do not hold a EHIC at the time treatment was provided.
If a person does not hold a current EHIC, it is possible to request a Temporary Replacement Certificate from the HSE whilst on a visit to another state. If this facility was not availed of and costs were incurred, the local Health office can process a claim for a refund by the patient on return to Ireland. The HSE can issue a temporary certificate retrospectively provided entitlement existed. However, it is the other EU Member State that determines the amount to be refunded and if the treatment provided was under EU regulations.