Mental health support for British nationals in Ireland
Information about support for British nationals experiencing mental health difficulties in Ireland.
Read guidance on mental health abroad for broader advice on mental health issues while travelling or living abroad.
What to do in an emergency
In an emergency or for urgent medical attention call 112 or 999 and ask for the ambulance, Gardaí, fire service or coast guard, or go to the emergency department at any general hospital.
For less urgent medical attention visit HSE mental health services or contact your GP/local healthcare service. See also our Ireland medical facilities and practitioners.
For suicide, self-harm or emotional distress support, contact Pieta 24-hour Crisis Helpline on 1800 247 247 locally or text HELP to 51444, or call Samaritans Ireland on 116 123 locally. In an acute emergency, call 112 or 999.
Not all medical or emergency services staff speak English. You may need to consider using a local translator or interpreter. Use the general GOV.UK professional services page if needed: Professional services if you are abroad.
Prescriptions
Bringing medicines into Ireland
Read guidance on taking medicine in or out of the UK and Ireland-specific health guidance: Ireland travel advice health guidance.
Accessing medicines in Ireland
If you take regular medication, you should bring at least enough to last for your stay. Consider bringing extra in case your stay in Ireland is extended for any reason.
If you need a repeat or replacement prescription while you are in Ireland, you should approach a local pharmacy. Use the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland pharmacy search for advice and information on local pharmacies.
Bring a copy of your prescription to Ireland. This can help doctors find the exact or similar medication.
Admission to hospital for mental health reasons
Hospitals with mental health facilities are available in Ireland.
To access inpatient care voluntarily in Ireland, contact the relevant hospital, GP or local HSE mental health service. Public information confirms HSE mental health services include inpatient and community services. See HSE mental health services.
People experiencing a mental health crisis may be admitted to an approved centre and treated against their wishes if legal criteria are met. In Ireland this is called “involuntary admission”. Read more information on Mental Health Commission involuntary admission and Citizens Information involuntary admission to psychiatric care.
This is comparable to ‘sectioning’ in the UK. UK mental health law is non-transferrable to other countries so even if a person is sectioned in the UK, this cannot be used to admit them to hospital abroad. The same applies to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws.
To assist health professionals treating you, you may be asked to provide a medical history or help in accessing UK medical records.
Outpatient treatment
You may also be able to access outpatient care in Ireland. HSE information says most mental health supports are provided through community mental health teams and primary care, with hospital care where needed. See HSE mental health services.
Treatment outside of hospital
Mental health care, including non-urgent treatment, is available in Ireland outside hospital through GPs, primary care and community mental health teams. See HSE mental health services and supports.
Medical bills and insurance
Hospital bills and other medical fees may be high in Ireland without adequate travel insurance. If you are treated in hospital against your wishes, you may still be charged medical fees.
The cost of hospitalisation may be covered by your travel insurance or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
You may be entitled to medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in Ireland. Check entitlement and coverage before receiving care. See Healthcare for UK nationals living in Ireland.
Make sure you declare any pre-existing conditions to your insurance provider to ensure your insurance is valid. Enquire where possible ahead of any treatment about likely cost and whether it will be covered by your insurance or GHIC.
If you do not have adequate insurance, you will need to cover costs from your own personal funds.
Read about medical emergencies, treatment and hospitalisation abroad and foreign travel insurance.
Making decisions on behalf of someone lacking mental capacity
To make decisions on behalf of someone ‘lacking mental capacity’, speak to a lawyer in Ireland for advice. Use the general GOV.UK professional services page if needed: Professional services if you are abroad.
Support from agencies and organisations in Ireland
Contact these organisations in Ireland for mental health support and advice:
There are also some social support organisations in Ireland that you may wish to contact.
International organisations
These international organisations may be able to help you whilst you are overseas:
Returning to the UK
If you are abroad and need help to return to the UK, the FCDO can try to assist in making plans for your return. See what the FCDO can and cannot do.
You may not automatically be entitled to state benefits if you have never lived in the UK, or if you have lived abroad for some time. This includes free NHS hospital treatment. See the returning to the UK guidance for more information, including on healthcare.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this guide is intended for your general guidance only, it is not a substitute for obtaining your own medical and legal advice. For more information, read our consular information disclaimer.