Irish Lives Abroad: What is quality of healthcare like for diaspora?

Our system doesn't compare well with many countries, writes Joyce Fegan

In The Netherlands there is one system for everyone and health insurance, which costs upwards of €110 per month, is mandatory, but there are subsidies for those on lower incomes, says Caitríona Rush.

Aside from housing, there isn't a social issue as contentious in Ireland as healthcare. And access to it came sharply under the spotlight during the pandemic, when overnight, public and private hospitals merged.

Issues in Ireland range from the quality of care given in public and private settings to the waiting list in private and public hospitals. There is also the ongoing issue of trolleys being used as beds in public hospitals, as well the cost of private health insurance and what that actually covers before an excess has to be paid.