The Cross Border Healthcare Plan Explained
The Cross Border Healthcare Plan, also known as the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare
Plan, allows residents of the Republic of Ireland to access medical treatments or surgeries
in Northern Ireland. Under this scheme, you'll pay for your treatment upfront, and then
apply to the HSE(Health Service Executive) for reimbursement. Depending on the
procedure, the HSE may cover the full cost or a portion of it.
It is open to people living in the Republic of Ireland who are eligible for HSE-funded healthcare.
You don't need to be on a waiting list, but you must have a referral from a GP or a hospital consultant.
Treatments and Surgeries
Covered by the Plan
You can access a range of treatments and surgeries in Northern Ireland.
Full Surgery Costs Covered for:
- Hip & Knee Replacement Surgery
- Gallbladder Removal Surgery
- ACL Surgery
- Hysterectomy & Vasectomy
- Nose Septoplasty (nasal surgery)
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Partial Surgery Costs Covered for:
- Cataract Surgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Gynae Surgery
- Carpal Tunnel Surgery
- Varicose Vein Surgery
- And many more...
Get In Touch
Have a question about the Cross Border Healthcare Plan?
Our dedicated Cross Border Health Advice Team is here to help:
Register Your Interest in the
Cross Border Healthcare Plan
Submit the Cross Border Healthcare form and a member of our
Cross Border Advice Team will be in touch to start getting the help you need
Register Your Interest
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible you must:
✔ Be entitled to public healthcare in Ireland
✔ Have a referral for treatment
✔ Apply for HSE reimbursement (we’ll help)
Get In Touch Today
For Day Care (Outpatients)
✔ No approval needed
✔ Just bring your referral
For Overnight Care (Inpatients)
HSE pre-authorisation is required. We’ll assist you.
Key Questions On Cross Border Healthcare
Gareth Crudden, Kingsbridge GP Liaison Manager,
answers some of the most commonly asked questions
on the Cross Border Healthcare Plan.
View Video
Take Advantage of Shorter Waiting Times
Many of our specialities have waiting times of 7 days or less. Typical waiting times have been:
~ 2 days for hip and knee orthopaedics in Belfast
~ 1 day for cataract surgery in North West (Derry)
How the Cross Border Healthcare Application Works
Follow these simple steps to start getting treated under the Cross Border Healthcare Plan
Application Pathway
Step 2
GP Referral
Your GP provides a referral letter
to a Kingsbridge Consultant
(bring any recent scans if available)
Step 3
Consultation
Meet your consultant at Kingsbridge.
We’ll help with all HSE forms and paperwork.
Step 4
Approval (if needed)
For overnight stays, we help you apply for HSE pre-approval.
No pre-approval is needed for day cases.
Step 5
Book Surgery
Once approved, we confirm your surgery date.
Payment is made before treatment.
Step 6
Surgery & Recovery
Attend your surgery. Afterward, send your invoice to the
HSE for reimbursement (typically 10 - 12 weeks)
Help Desk
Make A Payment
GPs: Refer a Patient
01 968 2000
Skip long waiting lists for surgery
5-star hospitals in Belfast and Ballykelly, Co Derry