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Health Insurance

European Union (EU) students

Students from European Union (EU) states should apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in their home country before departure. The EHIC is a free card issued by each national health insurance provider that entitles EU residents access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare for free or at a reduced cost during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries.

Please note, the EHIC is not an alternative to travel or health insurance, for example, it does not cover any private healthcare (see below for health insurance options). It also does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different, services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country. More information on the concept of 'necessary' health care.

Non-European Union / European Economic Area / Swiss / United Kingdom (Non-EU/EEA/Swiss/UK) students

In order to register with the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), as all non-European Union / European Economic Area / Swiss / United Kingdom (EU/EEA/Swiss/UK) students are required to do, you must show proof of health insurance to cover any major medical care and hospitalisation during your stay. The policy must be in your name and provided in English.

In your first year, travel insurance from your home country may suffice where the insurance covers you for one full year, or where you are staying in Ireland for less than one year, for the entirety of your stay. Please check with your insurance company at home that you are sufficiently insured: your policy must cover a minimum of €25,000 for accident and €25,000 for disease, and for any period of hospitalisation.

If you choose to use a travel health insurance policy from your home country, please be aware that this will only be valid for your first 12 months. It can be used for first registration with ISD, but not with subsequent registrations. Health insurance must be purchased from an Ireland-based insurance provider after your first year of study.

Students who cancel their insurance policy during their studies will be in breach of their immigration conditions and will be responsible for any medical costs incurred without coverage.

Health Insurance Options

Trinity advises that you have a level of insurance to cover your individual health needs, in addition to any immigration requirements. For example, if you have a pre-existing condition, please check the level of insurance cover in any new policy to ensure that it will cover this during your studies.

The Irish insurance companies listed below all have schemes for students which will meet immigration requirements:

The Health Insurance Authority of Ireland has a useful comparison tool to help you decide on a policy that best meets your needs, budget and visa requirements.

Trinity's Life Insurance Scheme

Trinity has a specific insurance scheme arrangement with Irish Life that is designed for international students with discounted plans on offer, and which covers pre-existing conditions and waives the normal waiting period for cover. The cost of a policy varies based on the plan chosen and age of the applicant.

Applicants can enrol directly onto the Trinity scheme through the Irish Life website and choose one of the three specially discounted plans on offer. If one of the three listed plans is not suitable, you can call Irish Life on +353 1 562 5100 to discuss your options, please ensure that your quote scheme number 20932.

Tips on your application:

  • Only Irish addresses and mobile numbers are accepted on the Irish Life website.
  • If you are applying in advance of coming to Ireland, Irish Life suggest you use the following workarounds:
  • For address, give a Trinity address: e.g. c/o Trinity Admissions, Watts Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, D02 PN40. Once you have secured a permanent address in Ireland, you can update your address in the system online or by just sending Irish Life an email to heretohelp@irishlifehealth.ie.
  • For mobile phone, use “00353 000 000 0000”. Then email heretohelp@irishlifhealth.ie and request for your actual number to be updated onto your policy.

Please note, this insurance scheme with Irish Life is not what the Irish Immigration website refers to as a “Group Insurance Scheme operated by a college” as you sign up as an individual and you will receive your policy documents directly from Irish Life.

Looking after your Health

College Health Service

All full-time registered students are eligible to use the College Health Service, located in Printing House Square on Trinity’s main campus. The service offers primary health and psychiatric care. Many services, including physician consultations and emergency clinics, are free, although some services (for example, physiotherapy) can incur a small fee. Detailed information regarding services can be accessed on the College Health Service website.

Getting your Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)

A PPSN (Personal Public Service Number) is a unique reference number in Ireland you need to access social welfare benefits, public services, and for areas like employment, tax, and healthcare. Please note, you do not need it to access Trinity’s College Health Service (see below for more information), however if you need to go to a GP or to access other healthcare, you may require it.

PPSN applications are made online through MyWelfare.ie. You’ll need to set up a MyGovID account. Documents you will require include proof of identity, proof of address (dated within the last 3 months – your College registration letter will suffice); and why you need a PPS. You should add ‘study/education’ on your application (not for medical reasons). By way of proof, include your College registration letter and your Blackboard Timetable.

If successful, your PPS number will be sent to you by post at your Irish address, usually within 2–4 weeks, but it can vary depending on demand. Please note, you generally cannot apply from outside Ireland unless it’s for specific reasons (like property transactions with the Revenue).