Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1587. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his views on extending the costs covered by the HSE administered EU treatment abroad scheme to incorporate expenses incurred by individuals who have to seek treatment which lasts over several weeks, especially accommodation costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17374/23]
View answerThe Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) as provided for in EU Regulations, does not include a provision for travel and subsistence expenses for patients or their relatives travelling abroad to avail of approved treatments.
However the HSE, subject to available funding, under the Treatment Abroad Scheme Travel Policy, may provide assistance towards reasonable economic air or sea travel fares for patients, and a travelling companion where appropriate or where the referring consultant identifies a necessity. The HSE Treatment Abroad Scheme National Travel Policy was implemented to standardise and provide equity to the provision of entitlements relating to travel expenses. It does not include provision for expenses other than air/sea fares.
However, patients who experience difficulty funding any additional costs may apply to the Department of Social Protection for assistance as an exceptional needs payment. It should be noted that, in general, patients do not incur subsistence costs when undergoing treatment abroad as such costs are included in the cost of the care that the patient is receiving.
