Are you an Irish patient facing long waiting lists for surgery?

You may have heard about the Cross Border Directive, a fantastic option that allows you to access medical treatment in other EU countries while getting reimbursed by the HSE. But despite its benefits, many patients hesitate to use this scheme due to concerns and misconceptions.

At Surgery Now, we help Irish patients navigate the CBD and make their treatment abroad as seamless as possible. In this blog, we’ll tackle some of the most common myths and worries surrounding the CBD and show you how we take the stress out of the process.

 

Myth #1: The Process is Too Complicated

One of the biggest reasons patients shy away from the CBD is the fear that the process is too confusing or time-consuming. But with the right support, it’s actually quite straightforward.

Reality: At Surgery Now, we manage the entire process for you. From assisting withyour GP referral to booking your surgery, assistance with flights, and accommodation, we take care of it all. We also handle the paperwork for your HSE reimbursement to ensure you get your refund as smoothly as possible. We guide you through every step, so there’s no need to worry about complicated paperwork or logistics.

 

Myth #2: Surgery Abroad is Unsafe

Safety is a common concern for patients considering surgery abroad. Many worry that they won’t receive the same level of care as they would in Ireland.

Reality: The truth is, many EU countries have state-of-the-art medical facilities and highly trained surgeons who adhere to the same or even higher standards as those in Ireland.

At Surgery Now, we only partner with fully accredited hospitals and world-class surgeons like Dr Ferrer, an internationally leading expert in bariatric surgery with years of experience and Dr Hugo Marquina and Dr David Gonzalez who are acclaimed surgeons in the Orthopaedic field . Your safety is our top priority, and we ensure you’re in the best hands throughout your treatment journey.

 

Worry: Will I Get Reimbursed by the HSE?

Patients often worry about the financial aspect of using the CBD and whether they will really get their money back after paying upfront for surgery abroad?

Reality: The HSE reimburses patients for treatment abroad based on what the same procedure would cost in Ireland’s public health system. Whilst its true you may not always receive a full 100% refund if the foreign treatment is more expensive you will always know this before you travel.  The truth is that most patients find that the reimbursement the 100% totality of the cost.

At Surgery Now, we assist you by compiling and submitting all the necessary paperwork for your refund and ensure you understand the cost breakdown before proceeding with treatment.

 

Myth #3: Only a Few Surgeries Are Covered by the CBD

Some patients believe the CBD only covers a limited range of treatments, which makes them unsure whether their surgery qualifies.

Reality: The CBD covers a wide range of medical treatments . If the procedure is available through the Irish public health system, it is likely covered by the CBD too.

At Surgery Now, we specialize in helping patients access their necessary treatment through the CBD matching patients with the corresponding surgeon and hospital, ensuring they receive the treatment they need without the long wait times.

 

Worry: Language Barriers Will Be a Problem

It’s understandable to worry about communication challenges when having surgery abroad, especially if you don’t speak the local language.

Reality : At Surgery Now, we take care of this too. We arrange translation services to ensure clear communication throughout your entire treatment experience from consultations to post-surgery care. You’ll always understand what’s happening, and there will be no language barriers to hold you back.

 

Take the First Step with Confidence

The Cross Border Directiveis an excellent option for Irish patients looking to access quicker treatment whilst still being reimbursed by the HSE. And with Surgery Now, you don’t have to worry about the logistics we’ll handle it all so you can focus on your health and recovery.

 

Don’t let myths and worries stop you from getting the treatment you need.