A TikTok video has shown Irish people how they can potentially skip the HSE hospital waiting lists.
The Cross Border Directive allows you to get healthcare in another EU or EEA member state.
@whatsgoingonIreland shared this useful information on her account which could potentially save patients years waiting for hospital procedures.
She told her followers: “Have you heard of the Cross Border Healthcare Directive? Under the directive, if you qualify for a surgery here, you can travel abroad, get that surgery and then get that money refunded to you here.
“You can skip the queue completely, get that surgery within weeks and then you can get the money refunded. The money has to be refunded in a very timely manner, we’re talking ten working days.”
Many users gave examples of how the scheme has worked for them.
One user commented: “Our local TD has taken over 70 bus-loads of people to Belfast for life saving operations. From all over West Cork.”
Another said: “Why do we make it so that we can’t receive timely treatment in our country? Our politicians have failed us and should be held responsible.”
A third claimed: “Got the hip done in Belfast three years ago with this. The money is refunded very quickly.
While other people posted: “I got my back done last September in Belfast
“This is just brilliant, far too many people are suffering on waiting lists.”
According to the HSE website, the Cross Border Directive (CBD) allows you to get healthcare in another EU or EEA member state if you’re entitled to public health services in Ireland.
You can access this healthcare in the same way you'd get public healthcare in Ireland but you need a valid referral and you must qualify for the healthcare you want as a public patient in Ireland.
Once you go abroad, you must pay for any healthcare that you get. But under the CBD you can then apply to the HSE for reimbursement towards the cost of the healthcare .
You can not claim reimbursement for the cost of any medicine you will need afterwards or any travel costs.
You can check out more information on the Citizens Information website.
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