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.
A second phase of the scheme will take place in the autumn. This will see the geographical scope extended to all European Union (EU) countries. The scale of available funding may be limited by take-up levels for the first phase. Details will be made available at a later date.
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
