Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 61: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, for returning emigrants, there is a three month period following arrival during which they may use their British medical card to obtain treatment here; and if they receive treatment and pay a doctor, the way in which they may reclaim this sum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9771/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The arrangements for the co-ordination of social security systems, including health care benefits, among EU member states are set out in EU Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72. Persons covered by these regulations who are residing or staying in Ireland are entitled, free of charge, to all health care provided for by Irish legislation, where the cost of this treatment is payable by the institution of a member state other than Ireland.

In general, this means that a person residing in Ireland and in receipt of a contributory social security payment from the UK or indeed any other member state, may receive a medical card under EU regulations, where they are not also in receipt of a contributory social welfare payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs or employed in Ireland and subject to PRSI.

Non-contributory social security payments are not usually exportable under the regulations, that is to say, such payments cease when the recipient has transferred residence from the country making the payment. An individual who was receiving such payments and to whom these payments were no longer being paid on taking up residence in Ireland would therefore be subject to the standard means test for a medical card in these circumstances. On joining the EU, the arrangements for the co-ordination of Ireland's social security system including health care benefits with those of the other member states were agreed under the terms of EU Regulation 1408/71.

The form E119 provides cover for persons in receipt of unemployment benefit, and their dependants, who go to another member state looking for work. This cover is provided by the sickness institution of that country and the form is available from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The E119 provides for medical cover similar to that received by a medical card holder while unemployment benefits are being transferred.