# Emergency Health Services | Healthcare | Moving to Ireland > In Ireland, emergency health services are operated by the Health Service Executive (HSE). If you require urgent medical attention, there are several… Source: https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/emergency-health-services/ Healthcare · Step 3 of 6 # Emergency Health Services 2 min read · Updated 13 September 2026 In Ireland, emergency health services are operated by the [Health Service Executive (HSE)](http://www.hse.ie). If you require urgent medical attention, there are several services available that can be accessed at any time, day or night. ## Ambulance Service The ambulance service provides emergency medical assistance to those in need. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be accessed by dialing **999** or **112** from any phone. The fee for ambulance services varies depending on the circumstances. If a person has a medical card, they will not be charged for emergency ambulance services. However, if they do not have a medical card, they may be charged for the use of an ambulance. If you attend an emergency department without being referred there by a GP, there is a charge of €100. There is no charge if you are referred by a GP (bring your referral letter with you). In non-emergency situations, such as for transport to a hospital for a scheduled medical appointment, a fee will always be charged. Patients are responsible for paying these fees themselves, although some private health insurance policies may cover the cost of non-emergency ambulance services. ## Emergency Departments Emergency Departments (ED) are located in hospitals and are designed to treat patients with serious and life-threatening injuries or illnesses. EDs operate on a triage system, where patients are seen according to the severity of their condition. The most serious cases are treated first. While the service is free to everyone, it is important to note that waiting times in EDs can be long, especially for less serious cases. ## GP Out-of-Hours Service The GP out-of-hours service provides medical assistance when GP surgeries are closed, such as evenings and weekends. This service can be accessed by calling your local GP surgery and following the instructions on the message. If your GP surgery is closed, your call will be diverted to the GP out-of-hours service. ## Pharmacies Pharmacies are an essential part of the emergency health services in Ireland. They provide a range of over-the-counter medications, advice, and support to patients in need. Some pharmacies operate extended hours or out-of-hours services, so it is important to check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer this service. In conclusion, Ireland offers a range of emergency health services that are free of charge to all residents. If you require urgent medical attention, it is critical to access these services as quickly as possible. ![](https://www.movingtoireland.co/apple-touch-icon.png) You have read 28% of this guide ## Keep reading in the Moving to Ireland app The rest of **Emergency Health Services** — about 1 minute more — is in the app, free to download, alongside 98 other guides and a checklist built around your own move. Still to come in this guide - Emergency Departments - GP Out-of-Hours Service - Pharmacies [Download free on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) iPhone and iPad · no account needed ## More on healthcare [All 6 guides in this section](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/) - ### [Irish Healthcare System](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/irish-healthcare-system/) The healthcare system in Ireland is a complex mix of public and private services, with the government providing the majority of funding. Ireland's… 2 min read - ### [Find a GP](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/general-practitioners-in-ireland/) General Practitioners (GPs) are the primary healthcare providers in Ireland. They are usually the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical… 2 min read - ### [Medical Insurances](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/medical-insurances/) Health insurance in Ireland is an important consideration for those looking to protect themselves and their families against unexpected medical expenses… 2 min read - ### [Children's health](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/childrens-health/) Children in Ireland have access to a range of healthcare services. Many of these services are free, while some require payment. 2 min read · For Parents Keep going ## Get the full healthcare roadmap in the app Moving to Ireland turns 99 guides into a personal checklist. 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