Healthcare & Emergency Contacts

Staying Healthy in Ireland

Understanding the Irish healthcare system before you need it will save you stress. Here's what Brazilian students need to know.

Health Insurance

Private health insurance is MANDATORY for anyone holding Stamp 2 permission (which applies whether or not you needed a visa to travel). Your school usually arranges this as part of your package. Check that your policy covers:

• GP (General Practitioner/doctor) visits
• Hospital treatment
• Emergency care

Going to the Doctor (GP)

• In Ireland, you see a GP (General Practitioner) for non-emergency health issues.
• A GP visit costs EUR 50-65 without a medical card.
• You need to register with a GP near your home. Ask your host family or school for recommendations.
• GPs work by appointment — call ahead. Walk-in clinics exist but often have long waits.
• Your health insurance may cover part or all of the GP cost — check your policy.

Pharmacies

For minor issues (cold, headache, allergies), pharmacists in Ireland can advise and sell many medications without a prescription. Common pharmacy chains: Boots, McCabes, Hickey's. Most are open 9am-6pm; some in the city centre are open later.

Emergencies

• Emergency number: 999 or 112 — for ambulance, fire, or Garda (police)
• Hospital A&E (Emergency): Go directly to the nearest hospital for serious emergencies. Wait times can be long (6+ hours) for non-critical cases.
• Minor injuries: Some hospitals have "Injury Units" for less serious issues (sprains, minor cuts) with shorter wait times than A&E.

Mental Health

Being far from home can be tough. If you're feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed:

• Talk to your school: Most schools have student support services.
• Jigsaw: Free mental health support for young people (under 25).
• Samaritans: Free, confidential listening service. Call 116 123 (24/7).
• Text 50808: Free crisis text line. Text "HELLO" to 50808.

Brazilian Consulate

• Embassy of Brazil in Dublin
• Contact the consular section for passport renewal, voting registration, and emergency assistance.
• Keep the consulate's phone number saved in your phone for emergencies.

Useful Health Tips

• Bring any prescription medications from Brazil with a doctor's note in English.
• Vitamin D supplements are recommended — Ireland has limited sunshine, and many people (including Irish natives) are deficient.
• Register with a GP within your first week, even if you feel fine. You'll need one eventually.