AQW 20720/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 22/06/2021
Answered On Date: 06/07/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to outline the process via which patients in Northern Ireland can avail of cross-border health care, including the patient’s role in organising and covering up front costs of the treatment.

Answer:

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. 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/.