Cost guide
Going to a public hospital emergency department without a GP referral costs €100. There is no charge if your GP refers you, if you have a medical card, or, at most hospitals, if you are admitted. Public inpatient charges were abolished in April 2023.
Typical cost in Ireland
€100 A&E charge (waived with a GP referral or medical card)
| Job | Price |
|---|---|
| Emergency department, no GP referral | €100 |
| Emergency department with a GP referral or medical card | Free |
| Public inpatient stay (since April 2023) | Free |
Last updated 23 October 2026 · Fixed and published prices, checked by hand against St Vincent's University Hospital: patient charges. Prices change, so confirm before you go. How we write these
The emergency department charge in a public hospital is €100. It applies when you walk in without being referred by a GP.
You do not pay it if you bring a referral letter from your GP, if you hold a medical card, or if you are entitled to public hospital care under EU rules (an EHIC, for example). Most hospitals also waive it if you end up being admitted from the emergency department. Children and some other groups are exempt in specific cases, so ask at reception if you are unsure.
Staying in a public hospital as a public patient is free. The daily inpatient charge that used to apply was abolished from 17 April 2023, for both day cases and overnight stays.
Private care is different. If you choose to be treated as a private patient, or use a private hospital, your health insurer and the hospital agree the costs, and you can be left paying an excess or anything your plan does not cover. Check with your insurer before an elective procedure.
Often a GP or an out-of-hours GP service is the better first stop for problems that are not emergencies: you may avoid both the €100 charge and a long wait. For a genuine emergency, call 112 or 999.
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€100 if you go to a public emergency department without a GP referral.
Bring a GP referral letter, or hold a medical card. Most hospitals also waive it if you are admitted.
No. Public inpatient charges were abolished from 17 April 2023.
Prices are indicative guides only and vary by job, location and provider. Always confirm with the business.