Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
1458. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the right to reimbursement under the EU Cross-Border Directive on Healthcare is based solely on the care and treatment received, regardless of where the patient receives such treatment within the EU/EEA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1325/23]
View answer1459. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the treatment and care received in another EU/EEA country must be of the same or similar standard as that would be received in the home country under the EU Cross-Border Directive on Healthcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1326/23]
View answer1460. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the right to reimbursement for treatment and care received under the EU Cross-Border Directive on Healthcare is automatic and does not require further approval by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1327/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1458 to 1460, inclusive, together.
The EU Cross Border Directive (CBD) provides rules for the reimbursements to patients of the cost of receiving treatment abroad, where the patient would be entitled to such treatment in their home Member State, and supplements the rights that patients already have at EU level. The HSE operates the EU Cross Border Directive (CBD) in Ireland. Under the terms of the CBD, patients in Ireland can seek to be referred to another EU/EEA country for medical treatment that is available in the public health service in Ireland. The patient may access the overseas service in either the public or private health sector of the country they choose to receive the service in. The patient pays for the treatment and claims reimbursement from the HSE at the cost of that treatment in Ireland or the cost of it abroad, whichever is the lesser. Eligibility for reimbursement for an individual application made under the Cross Border Directive is assessed by the HSE. The HSE, in fulfilling it's role as the National Contact Point (NCP) in Ireland, provides information for patients on the operation of the CBD, including on its website. www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/cross-border-directive/
