The short answer
Cover healthcare in onboarding, not after the first sick day. Explain how Irish healthcare works, help new arrivals get a PPS number and start GP registration early, flag medical card eligibility, and give them a way to see a Doctor from day one, in a language they understand, while they wait for a GP place.
Why healthcare belongs in onboarding
In Ireland the GP is the front door to almost everything: prescriptions, referrals, sick certs and children's care. Many practices are not taking new patients, so a new arrival can wait weeks for a place. Without a plan, a minor illness turns into a day off, an emergency department visit, or a worried call to HR.
A short, clear healthcare briefing reduces absence, builds trust and helps international hires settle, especially when their family is moving with them.
Before they arrive
| Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Send a one-page guide to Irish healthcare | GP first, pharmacies for minor issues, emergency departments for emergencies, 112 or 999 in an emergency |
| Tell them to bring medication and records | A supply of regular medicines plus prescriptions and vaccination records, translated if possible |
| Explain typical costs | In-person GP visits are often €55–75; online appointments are typically around €50 |
| Share your workplace benefits | So they know they can see a Doctor from their first day |
The first week
| Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Start the PPS number application | Needed for public health services, medical card applications and payroll |
| Give a list of local GP practices | Encourage them to contact several, as many lists are full |
| Activate their online Doctor access | Cover for illness while GP registration is pending |
| Point out nearby pharmacies | Pharmacists can advise on many minor illnesses without an appointment |
| Explain your sick leave policy | Including statutory sick leave and when a medical certificate is needed |
The first month
Check in on GP registration. Lower-income employees may qualify for a medical card or GP visit card, which brings free GP care, so it is worth pointing them to the Citizens Information guide to entitlement. Remind them where to find their benefits and who to ask if something is unclear.
For employees on long-term medication, make sure they know how to get a repeat prescription before their supply runs out. Our guide to online and repeat prescriptions in Ireland explains how.
Families and dependants
Many international hires relocate with a partner and children. Children under eight are entitled to a GP visit card regardless of income, which is easy to miss. Families also need to know where to go out of hours and how to get care when English is not their first language.
How ViscaCare helps
ViscaCare Enterprise gives new arrivals and their families online Doctor access from day one, an Employee Assistance Programme, and Ask Mia, who answers questions about Irish healthcare in their own language and can prepare an English summary for the Doctor. ViscaCare is not health insurance, so there is no benefit in kind for employees. See healthcare support for international employees, or explore ViscaCare Enterprise.
Common questions
What healthcare information should HR give international employees in Ireland?
How the Irish system works (GP first, emergency departments for emergencies), how to get a PPS number, how to register with a GP, whether they may qualify for a medical card or GP visit card, what a GP visit typically costs, and what workplace benefits they can use straight away, such as online Doctor access or an EAP.
Can new arrivals in Ireland see a Doctor before registering with a GP?
Yes. Many practices are full, so registration can take weeks. In the meantime employees can use an online Doctor service or a private walk-in clinic. With ViscaCare Enterprise, employees can book an online Doctor appointment from their first day.
Do non-EU employees in Ireland have access to public healthcare?
People who are ordinarily resident in Ireland, generally meaning they intend to live here for at least a year, are usually entitled to public health services. Eligibility for a medical card or GP visit card depends on income. Citizens Information and the HSE set out the current rules.
Should employers provide health insurance for international workers?
It is not a legal requirement for most employment permits. Many employers instead offer healthcare access benefits, such as online Doctor access and multilingual guidance, which help from day one at a lower cost than health insurance and create no benefit in kind for employees.
Sources
- HSE — GP services
- Citizens Information — Entitlement to public health services
- Citizens Information — Sick leave and sick pay
Employment, tax and healthcare rules change. We review these pages regularly, but always confirm details with the official source or your own adviser before relying on them. This page is general information for employers — it is not legal, tax or medical advice.
Build the right health & wellbeing solution for your organisation
ViscaCare Enterprise gives employees and their families online Doctor access, wellbeing support and multilingual help from Ask Mia. You decide who pays for GP appointments, and we talk through what fits your team directly.
Related guides
Healthcare support for international employees
Helping new arrivals understand Irish healthcare, overcome language barriers and prepare for appointments.
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Read moreEmployee healthcare benefits in Ireland
What Irish employers can offer, from health insurance to online Doctor access and wellbeing support.
Read moreHealthcare in Ireland for new arrivals
How the Irish health system works if you have just moved here.
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