To ask the Minister of Health to detail the advice for patients wishing to seek medical treatment in the Republic of Ireland, including the required information and the process by which patients can avail of this treatment; and what the requirements are for unplanned healthcare such as accident and emergency treatment.

The Republic of Ireland Reimbursement Scheme, which I announced on 15th June 2021, has been introduced for a 12 month period from 30th June 2021.

The Scheme allows patients to seek, and pay for, private treatment in the Republic of Ireland only and have the cost reimbursed by the Health and Social Care Board. The amount of reimbursement will be limited to the cost that would have been incurred by health and social care in Northern Ireland if the same or an equivalent service had been provided here.

To use the Scheme, patients must get prior authorisation from the HSCB before they travel for treatment.

Full details and guidance on the Scheme are available on the Health and Social Care Board website at

http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/travelfortreatment/.

Under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)/Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) scheme Northern Ireland residents can access medically necessary, state provided healthcare while on a temporary stay in the Republic of Ireland.

However, under the Common Travel Area arrangement, an EHIC/GHIC is not necessarily required if evidence of residence in Northern Ireland is provided.

It is advisable that people take out travel insurance which covers healthcare costs when travelling to EU Member States, including the Republic of Ireland – as reciprocal healthcare arrangements may not cover all healthcare costs that might arise when travelling.