08/09/2025
Nesbitt Confirms Second Phase Of £10m Waiting List Scheme
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has confirmed the launch of the second phase of the Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme, allowing Northern Ireland patients to claim back the cost of treatment in the European Union.
The scheme, which has a total funding of £10 million, was initially launched in June to allow patients on hospital waiting lists for two years or more to receive treatment in the Republic of Ireland.
Under the new phase, which begins on Monday, 15 September, the qualifying period has been reduced to just one year, and patients can now seek approved procedures across the EU.
Minister Nesbitt said he was committed to "making a real difference" to patients' lives and delivering on his earlier promise to expand the scheme.
"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," he said.
Patients must be a resident of Northern Ireland and have been on an official Health and Social Care (HSC) waiting list for at least one year. Prior approval is required before travelling, and patients will be reimbursed up to the equivalent HSC cost.
The Department of Health has created an online hub with a full guide to the application process, and a dedicated helpline is available on 028 9536 8303 from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
The scheme, which has a total funding of £10 million, was initially launched in June to allow patients on hospital waiting lists for two years or more to receive treatment in the Republic of Ireland.
Under the new phase, which begins on Monday, 15 September, the qualifying period has been reduced to just one year, and patients can now seek approved procedures across the EU.
"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," he said.
Patients must be a resident of Northern Ireland and have been on an official Health and Social Care (HSC) waiting list for at least one year. Prior approval is required before travelling, and patients will be reimbursed up to the equivalent HSC cost.
The Department of Health has created an online hub with a full guide to the application process, and a dedicated helpline is available on 028 9536 8303 from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
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