Clear answers before you travel for treatment

A coordinator reviews your answers and contacts you to confirm details and outline next steps.

Not always, but a confirmed diagnosis and imaging can help us assess suitability and next steps faster.

A GP referral is commonly required for treatment pathways and is typically important for documentation.

Timelines depend on clinical review, availability and your readiness to travel. We’ll give you the earliest realistic options after reviewing your details.

Suitability depends on your overall health, mobility goals, imaging and specialist assessment.

Surgery Now is an Irish cross-border healthcare service that helps eligible patients access treatment in EU countries under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive.

We support patients through the process before, during and after travel.

• We assist with pre-travel requirements such as blood tests, scans and GP referral letters.
• We help identify hospitals, surgeons and physicians suited to your requirements.
• We assist with booking travel and accommodation.
• We provide transportation from the airport to your hotel and hospital or clinic.
• We help reduce additional paperwork after surgery so you can focus on treatment and recovery.
• We assist with completing your HSE refund application form and including the required documentation.

No, there is no fee for our service. Our services are funded by the private hospitals and clinics we work with.

You can call us on +353 1 437 0960 or email us with your details and we will call you back.

The EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive allows an EU citizen to travel to another EU country for treatment and then apply for a refund from their home healthcare system for eligible treatment costs.

No, you don’t need to be on a waiting list. This scheme is available to eligible patients who would be entitled to treatment in an Irish hospital.

Under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive scheme, the HSE may provide a refund for eligible consultation, treatment and rehabilitation costs when treatment is received in another EU country, up to the amount it would cost the HSE to perform the treatment in Ireland.

Outpatient consultations may also be covered. Surgery Now has partnered with leading private hospitals and clinics to deliver this service.

You usually pay and then apply to the HSE for repayment after treatment, subject to eligibility. Some cases require prior notification.

Usually patients receive their reimbursement within 8–12 weeks of receipt of the completed application and all supporting documentation.

Often, travel and certain non-clinical costs are not covered. We’ll clarify what is typically excluded.

Rehab plans are individual. We can help organise physio arrangements while abroad and ensure you leave with a plan to continue at home.

That’s common. Our process is built to reduce uncertainty with clear steps and coordinated logistics.

While you are abroad, you will visit the hospital for dressing changes and a follow-up consultation before you travel home.

After you return home to Ireland, you are under the care of the HSE.

If you do not already have one, you may need to apply for an EHIC card through the HSE website, which can cover emergency care while travelling abroad.

Commonly: GP referral, imaging reports, consultant letters if available, medical history and medication list.

The diagnostics depend on the type of treatment you need. We help you organise X-rays, MRI scans, ECGs and blood tests where necessary.

The HSE refund application form is 7 pages. We fill in this form for you to help ensure accuracy and avoid errors. You will complete the few areas that require your signature. We gather the supporting documentation required by the HSE and create a file for submission for your refund.