Health Minister Expands EU Treatment Scheme
Date published:
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has confirmed the launch of Phase Two of the £10 million Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme, delivering on the commitment made when the scheme was first introduced in June.
Patients in Northern Ireland who have been waiting one year or more for hospital treatment will be able to reclaim the cost of approved procedures carried out in the European Union, in addition to the Republic of Ireland. Phase two of this scheme will open on Monday 15 September 2025.
Minister Nesbitt said:
“I am absolutely committed to making a real difference to waiting lists and to the lives of patients who have been waiting far too long for care. When I launched this scheme in June, I promised it would be extended to cover the wider EU, and today I am delivering on that promise.
“By reducing the qualifying period from two years to one year, and by widening access to the EU, I am giving more patients more options to get the treatment they need. This scheme is about listening to patients, being flexible, and taking practical action to ease pressure on waiting lists. Above all, it is about giving people quicker access to treatment, and the reassurance that they will be reimbursed up to the equivalent Health and Social Care cost.”
Overall funding of £10 million has been allocated to the scheme to support the reduction in waiting lists and this is one of many measures to meet the Executive's Programme for Government commitment.
Scheme Highlights:
- Qualifying period reduced: eligibility after one year on a hospital waiting list (previously two years).
- £10 million funding provided by the Department of Health.
- Phase One (launched 2 June 2025): Eligible treatments in the Republic of Ireland.
- Phase Two (starts 15 September 2025): Extension to treatments across the European Union.
- Eligibility:
- Must be ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland.
- Must have been on a Health and Social Care (HSC) hospital waiting list for one year or more.
- Prior approval required: retrospective applications will not be accepted.
- Reimbursement level: up to the equivalent cost of the treatment in Northern Ireland (or HSC average cost, whichever is lower).
- Exclusions: long-term social care, organ transplants, public vaccination programmes, and clinical trials.
- Travel & accommodation: not reimbursed. Patients should arrange travel insurance and a valid UK GHIC card before travelling.
To support patients, an online information hub will provide full guidance on how to apply, eligibility criteria, frequently asked questions, and access to the application form. The hub can be accessed on the following link: HSC Online: Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme
A helpline, staffed by a dedicated team is available to assist with patient enquiries or to provide support completing applications. The helpline will be available Monday to Friday 10am-4pm on Tel: 028 9536 8303.
Notes to editors:
- The Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme was launched on 2 June 2025 with Phase One covering the Republic of Ireland. Phase Two, beginning 15 September 2025, extends access to the wider European Union.
- Patients must secure prior approval before treatment; retrospective applications will not be reimbursed.
- Application processing takes 4–6 weeks; reimbursement usually issued 6–8 weeks after proof of payment is received.
- Patients are responsible for arranging their own healthcare provider in the Republic of Ireland or EU.
- Prescription costs linked to a treatment episode may be reimbursed, but capped at the HSC equivalent rate.
- Travel and accommodation are not reimbursed.
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