Healthcare in Ireland
For non-EEA students, private medical insurance is not optional — it is a condition of registering for your Irish Residence Permit (IRP). Arrange cover before you arrive so you can complete registration without delay. Insurance requirements change, so confirm the details officially.
The insurance requirement
Non-EEA students must hold private medical insurance with a level of cover of around €25,000. You will normally be asked to show evidence of this insurance when you register with immigration for your IRP card.
What this means in practice
- Buy a suitable policy before you travel, or as soon as you arrive, so it is in place for registration.
- Keep your policy documents handy — you may need to produce them at registration and at renewal.
- Renew your cover for as long as you hold Stamp 2 permission, since registration is renewed annually.
Factor the cost of insurance into your overall budget — see our cost of living guide.
Official sources: Irish Immigration Service, Citizens Information.