The HSE provides a wide range of services for people growing older in Ireland. Services for Older People in Ireland – is designed to guide you to the services you or a loved one may need. These might include finding your local public health nurse, learning about day services in your area, applying for your medical card, or looking into nursing home care.

The Citizens Information webpage – Services for Older People in Ireland contains useful information.

Cross-border issues:

• Northern residents who decide to move to the South for retirement are not entitled to access the NHS in the north on a routine basis, regardless of the fact that they have paid national insurance. They may, subject to a means test, qualify for an Irish medical card which would entitle them to free public healthcare in the South. However if their only income is a UK State Pension they may be automatically entitled to an Irish Medical Card.
• EU pensioners resident in Ireland and who are in receipt of a qualifying pension, as evidenced by form E121, are entitled to a Medical Card provided they are not subject to Irish social security legislation. Pensioners from the UK must provide proof that they are in receipt of a UK social security pension.

See also:

• HSE –Medical Cards for People Aged 70 and Over
• Age Action Ireland – www.ageaction.ie
• Age NI – www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland
• Care Alliance Ireland – www.carealliance.ie
• Family Carers Ireland – www.familycarers.ie
• Border People FAQ – Health Care

Page last checked: April 2023

Links last checked: July 2026

This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.

If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.