Short answer: yes. The HSE is legally required to reimburse you for planned surgery in another EU country under the Cross Border Directive. Here is everything you need to know about how much they pay, how long it takes, and how to make the claim.
Does HSE Cover Surgery Abroad? What the Cross Border Directive Pays
Under the EU Cross Border Directive (CBD), the HSE reimburses:
- Surgery costs — up to the amount the same procedure would cost in the Irish public system
- Consultation fees — pre-operative consultations with the surgeon abroad
- Physiotherapy costs — post-operative physiotherapy while you are abroad
The HSE does not cover: flights, accommodation, meals, or personal travel expenses. However, these costs are a small fraction of the total for a trip to Amsterdam (typically €200–500 in flights, with the recovery hotel included in the DHKC package).
How Much Does the HSE Pay for Hip and Knee Replacement?
The HSE reimburses based on its published Admitted Patient Price List. Rates for hip and knee replacement in 2023–2024:
- Hip Replacement (inpatient): €12,679 to €47,453
- Hip Replacement (day case): approximately €5,935
- Knee Replacement (inpatient): €12,993 to €16,705
- Knee Replacement (day case): approximately €10,873
The vast majority of DHKC patients receive a full reimbursement of their surgery costs. We will always give you a cost breakdown in advance and tell you if there is any expected shortfall before you make any commitment.
Do I Need to Be on a Waiting List to Claim?
No. You do not need to already be on an HSE waiting list. You simply need:
- To be ordinarily resident in Ireland (intend to remain for at least 1 year)
- To be entitled to public healthcare in Ireland (public patient status or medical card)
- A GP referral letter confirming the surgery is medically necessary
Do I Need Private Health Insurance?
No. The Cross Border Directive is specifically designed for public patients without private insurance. If you have private insurance, you may still be able to use the CBD by reverting to your public patient status — ask your GP.
How Long Does HSE Reimbursement Take?
The HSE typically processes and pays Cross Border Directive reimbursement claims within 6 to 8 weeks of receiving your completed application. The application must include:
- The completed pro-forma CBD invoice from the hospital (DHKC provides this)
- Your GP's referral letter
- Proof of travel (flight receipts)
- Proof of payment to the hospital (bank statement or card payment receipt)
DHKC prepares and submits this application for you. We have processed hundreds of successful HSE reimbursement claims.
How to Pay Upfront: The Credit Union Solution
Because the CBD is a reimbursement scheme, you pay the hospital first. The most common solution for Irish patients is a short-term Credit Union loan. Credit Unions across Ireland are very familiar with the Cross Border Directive and regularly provide loans for this purpose — often within days. You use the HSE refund to repay the loan. It is a clean, simple process that thousands of Irish patients have used.
The HSE Contact Point for Cross Border Healthcare
If you want to check your eligibility directly with the HSE before proceeding:
- Address: National Contact Point, Cross-Border Healthcare Directive Department, St Canice's Hospital, Dublin Road, Kilkenny
- Tel: 056 778 4546
- Email: crossborderdirective@hse.ie
Alternatively, call our Irish team first — we can advise you on your eligibility, and Sarah Hyde can speak directly with the HSE on your behalf if needed.
Ready to Claim Your Right to Surgery Abroad?
📞 Call Sarah Hyde: 087 002 9686
📞 Amsterdam clinic: +31 20 209 0332
🌐 Full step-by-step guide | About the Cross Border Directive