Country: Ireland
Country Statistics
Total Population: 4,973,477
Estimated migrant population: 746,260
Estimated refugee population (2019): 7,795
Estimated number of undocumented migrants (2019): 17,000
Main migrant populations (2020): United Kingdom, Poland, Lithuania
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Healthcare rights of migrants and HIV testing and treatment in Ireland
Healthcare rights of migrants
Asylum seekers: Access to health care is free for protection applicants living in Direct Provision.
Asylum seekers must apply for a medical card which allows them to attend local doctors or general practitioners located in the Direct Provision accommodation centres. This card entitles them to prescribed drugs and medicines, and their status as applicants living in Direct Provision makes them exempt from paying prescription charges levied on medical card holders.
Specialised treatment for trauma and victims of torture is available through an NGO called SPIRASI.
Refugees: Refugees receive the same medical services that they did as asylum seekers as there is no difference in the provision for asylum seekers and people with refugee status or subsidiary protection or permission to remain
Undocumented migrants: Undocumented migrants can access emergency care at a fee.
HIV testing and treatment
Testing: Free access for all, in clinics and NGOs only. Hospital consultants and GPSs in private practice do charge a fee. Use the aidsmap European test finder to see where you can get tested for HIV.
Treatment: Free for all. However, clinicians decide who and when to treat. Undocumented people may sometimes be excluded.
Support Organisations
GOSHH (Gender Orientation Sexual Health & HIV):
Provides care and prevention services relating to LGBT, HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Sexual Health issues to people in the Mid-West of Ireland.
+353 061 314 354
Redwood Place, 18 Davis Street, Limerick, Ireland.
Service(s): Healthcare
Spirasi:
Spirasi (Spiritan Asylum Services Initiative) is the national centre for the rehabilitation of victims of torture in Ireland.
+353 018 389 664
213 North Circular Road Phibsborough Road
Service(s): Counselling and mental health