asked the Minister for Health if an insured person is entitled to urgent medical services without payment in the other EEC countries on the same basis as eligible persons in the countries visited; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Written Answers. - Medical Services.
85.
A person from Ireland who is insured under the Social Welfare Acts and who is on a short-stay visit to another country in the EEC is, together with his dependants, entitled to obtain urgent hospital and other medical services on the same terms as an insured worker in the host country. This usually means that the services can be obtained free of charge but in some cases a charge may be made. Details of the procedures which apply in the different member countries are contained in a booklet "Medical Care and the Visitor to Common Market Countries" issued by my Department. Copies of this booklet are available from health boards and travel agents and from the Department.
It is important that any eligible person who intends to visit another EEC country should bring with him a document testifying to his eligibility. He may obtain this document from his local health board. It is not essential to have this document when visiting the United Kingdom.
Questions Nos. 86 and 87 postponed.