Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme NI
The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has introduced a Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme (WLRS).
This new scheme opened on 2 June 2025 and is available to ordinary residents of Northern Ireland. It provides an option for those patients who may wish to access private treatment in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) and claim reimbursement for costs of treatment.
The scheme is based on the previous Republic of Ireland (RoI) Reimbursement Scheme and EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive and is not retrospective.
From 15th September 2025 eligible patients can now access treatment across the European Union (EU).
Reimbursement covers the actual cost of treatment or the Health and Social Care (HSC) Northern Ireland average cost (whichever is lower) provided the treatment is one which the patient could have been received in the NI HSC system.
For information on eligibility, exemptions, how the scheme works and how to apply, please visit:
Contact information
National Contact Point
Strategic Planning and Performance Group
Hospital Care
Department of Health
12-22 Linenhall Street
Belfast BT2 8BS
Email: NationalContactPoint@hscni.net
Tel: +44 (0)28 9536 8303
ROI Providers
You may wish to seek further information on ROI providers and the services they offer.
The National Contact Point for cross border healthcare in ROI may be able to assist you.
National Contact Point,
Cross-Border Healthcare Directive Department,
HSE,
St Canice’s Hospital,
Dublin Road,
Kilkenny
Email: crossborderdirective@hse.ie
