Surgery abroad in Spain for Irish patients
Explore private surgery and medical treatment abroad in Spain without long public waiting times. Surgery Now coordinates your clinic pathway, appointments and travel arrangements, and supports your HSE Cross Border Directive reimbursement application where eligible.
- ✓HSE reimbursement support — Eligible patients can apply to the HSE for payment towards the cost of planned healthcare abroad after treatment.
- ✓Plan a suitable surgery date — We coordinate your treatment around clinic, surgeon and patient availability.
- ✓Speak with your surgeon before travel — A free video consultation lets you ask questions and understand your pathway before you go to Spain.
Trusted clinics
Access leading private clinics in Spain with top specialist doctors and high standards of patient care.
HSE reimbursement guidance
Support with eligibility questions, paperwork and the reimbursement application process.
Travel coordination
Help with appointments, accommodation, transfers and practical arrangements.
Human support
A clear point of contact before, during and after your treatment journey.
A clearer route to private treatment in Spain
Living with pain, reduced mobility or uncertainty can make daily life harder than it needs to be. Surgery Now helps patients in Ireland explore private medical procedures abroad in Spain while keeping the clinical, travel and reimbursement process organised and easy to understand.
Tell us what treatment you need and we’ll explain the clinic pathway, likely next steps and what the HSE Cross Border Directive may mean for your case.
Start My EnquiryHow HSE reimbursement for surgery abroad works
Clear information for Irish patients considering planned healthcare in Spain.
Check eligibility
You must be eligible for the same healthcare in the Irish public system. The treatment abroad must also meet the Cross Border Directive rules.
Pay the provider directly
Under the scheme, the patient pays the healthcare provider abroad first and keeps the invoices and proof of direct payment needed for the HSE claim.
Apply for HSE reimbursement
After treatment, eligible patients can apply to the HSE for payment towards the healthcare cost with the required referral, clinical and payment documentation.
Understand the repayment limit
The repayment is the lower of the cost of your healthcare abroad or the cost of the same healthcare in the Irish public system. Travel and accommodation are not covered.
For inpatient or day-case treatment, HSE prior notification is optional and can indicate eligibility and the likely repayment amount before you travel.
How the process works
A simple pathway focused on clarity, speed and support.
Free consultation
Submit the form and we’ll contact you to understand your condition and arrange a free video consultation with your surgeon before you travel.
Clinic pathway
We explain the appropriate private treatment pathway in Spain, available timelines and the clinical information that may be needed.
Travel to Spain
Your hospital appointments, treatment pathway, accommodation and local transfer arrangements are coordinated.
HSE claim support
After treatment, we support you with the documentation needed for your HSE Cross Border Directive reimbursement application.
We specialise in these treatment areas
Specialist doctors, trusted clinics and coordinated pathways across three core areas.
Orthopaedics
Specialist pathways for hip, knee, shoulder, ankle and spinal procedures, with trauma and orthopaedic doctors focused on mobility, pain relief and recovery.
Bariatrics
Weight-loss surgery pathways with experienced bariatric specialists, clear preparation and coordinated support before and after travel.
General Surgery
Selected general surgery interventions such as hernia, gallbladder, ENT and other suitable procedures through a trusted private hospital pathway.
Why choose Surgery Now?
Support designed to make the route to treatment abroad clearer, calmer and easier to manage.
Faster access to planned surgery
Explore private surgery in Spain without relying solely on long public waiting times, subject to clinical suitability and availability.
Private hospitals in Spain
Access specialist private hospitals and clinics in Spain with experienced surgeons, modern facilities and coordinated patient care.
Travel, accommodation and appointments
We help coordinate hospital appointments, accommodation, transfers and the practical details around your trip.
Support with your aftercare
We help you understand aftercare steps, physiotherapy needs and what to expect before returning home.
HSE reimbursement support
The EU Cross Border Directive allows eligible patients to apply for payment towards planned healthcare abroad. We support the paperwork and documentation for your claim.
A stress-free experience
We minimise red tape and help organise the process so you can focus on treatment, travel and recovery.
Patient Reviews
Hear from patients who chose Surgery Now for a clearer, supported route to treatment abroad.
“What an experience with Surgery Now. They kept us informed all the way. I definitely recommend this if anyone is looking to be operated on for a shorter wait time.”
Didi ValenteGoogle review“From arrival to departure and surgery in between, I was looked after incredibly well by all at Trauma Care. Home now on my recovery journey, thanks to all involved.”
Stephen McEneaneyGoogle review“A great experience. I would recommend anyone to use Surgery Now if they are on long waiting lists. The team was amazing, very friendly and professional.”
Marie FlanaganGoogle reviewReady to discuss your surgery options?
Complete the form and our team will contact you to discuss your condition, private treatment options in Spain and HSE reimbursement support where eligible.
Get My Free ConsultationFrequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about treatment abroad, HSE refund support and how the process works.
Do I need to be on a waiting list?
Not necessarily. To use the Cross Border Directive through the HSE, you must be eligible for the same healthcare in the Irish public system. Your application will normally need a referral letter or confirmation that you are on a public waiting list for the healthcare concerned.
How does HSE reimbursement for surgery abroad work?
Under the Cross Border Directive, you pay the healthcare provider abroad directly. After treatment, you can apply to the HSE for payment towards the cost, subject to eligibility and the required documentation.
How much can I claim back from the HSE?
The HSE pays the lower of the cost of your healthcare abroad or what the same healthcare would have cost in the Irish public system. Any shortfall remains your responsibility.
Do I need a referral?
A referral or equivalent evidence is normally required. The exact documentation depends on your pathway, so we help you understand what is needed before treatment.
Can I check eligibility before travelling?
For inpatient or day-case treatment, HSE prior notification is optional. It can confirm whether you are eligible to apply and give an indication of the amount you may receive before you travel.
Will the HSE cover flights or accommodation?
No. The Cross Border Directive reimbursement is for eligible healthcare costs; travel, accommodation and translation costs are not covered by the scheme.
Is the Cross Border Directive the same as the Treatment Abroad Scheme?
No. They are different HSE schemes with different eligibility and referral rules. Surgery Now’s Spain pathway is based on the Cross Border Directive where the patient is eligible for that route.
How long does HSE reimbursement take?
The HSE states that it usually aims to repay completed applications within 30 working days after receiving all required documents, although processing can take longer when demand is high.
What happens after I submit the form?
A coordinator reviews your enquiry, confirms the treatment you are seeking and contacts you to outline the clinical pathway, travel process and reimbursement steps.