What is the Kingsbridge Cross-Border Healthcare Scheme?

The Kingsbridge Cross-Border Healthcare Scheme (also referred to as the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme or NIPHS) enables eligible public patients in the Republic of Ireland to receive treatment in Northern Ireland, specifically at Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast. This scheme operates under the support of the HSE and reimburses patients for treatment costs, typically up to what the HSE would pay for the same procedure in Ireland. How Ultimate Physio can help is with the recovery from your procedure. through the scheme, you will be entitled 6 Free Chartered Physiotherapy sessions here in the Republic of Ireland. We here at Ultimate Physio are an eligible clinic for this service and have treated many Kingsbridge patients with great success.

Accessing Faster Healthcare Through the Kingsbridge Cross-Border Scheme

For many patients in the Republic of Ireland, long public hospital waiting lists can be a serious obstacle to timely healthcare. Fortunately, the Kingsbridge Cross-Border Healthcare Scheme offers an efficient alternative for those seeking faster treatment—without losing their entitlement to HSE reimbursement.

Who is Eligible?

Anyone who qualifies for public healthcare in the Republic of Ireland is eligible. You do not need to be on a hospital waiting list to apply. The process is accessible and supported by the Kingsbridge Cross-Border Team, who assist with the paperwork and pre-approval required by the HSE. Click here for the Kingsbridge website: KINGSBRIDGE WEBSITE

What Treatments Are Covered?

The scheme covers a wide range of procedures, including:

  • Hip and knee replacements

  • Gallbladder removal

  • ACL reconstruction surgery

  • Hysterectomy

  • Eye surgeries (e.g., cataract removal)

  • MRI and CT scans

  • Physiotherapy and more

It's important to consult with the Kingsbridge team or your GP to ensure your specific treatment qualifies under the scheme.

How Does the Process Work?

  1. GP Referral: Visit your GP to obtain a referral for treatment at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

  2. Pre-Approval: Kingsbridge helps coordinate your application and liaise with the HSE for pre-approval.

  3. Treatment & Payment: You receive your treatment at Kingsbridge. Payment is made upfront (usually about five days prior).

  4. Reimbursement: Submit your receipts and supporting documents to the HSE for reimbursement. Most patients are reimbursed within a few weeks to a few months.

  5. Physiotherapy: Through the scheme, you will be entitled to 6 Free Chartered Physiotherapy sessions here in the Republic of Ireland. 
What Costs Are Covered?

HSE reimburses you the equivalent cost of the same treatment if provided in Ireland. If your procedure in Northern Ireland is cheaper than in the Republic, you’ll be reimbursed the actual cost paid. Note that travel and accommodation expenses are not covered.

Real-World Patient Experiences

Many patients have praised the scheme for dramatically reducing wait times and restoring their quality of life. Individuals report receiving surgery within weeks rather than months or years, with helpful support from both their GPs and Kingsbridge’s cross-border coordination team.

Booking with Ultimate Physio

Once you have had your procedure you can inform Kingsbridge that you wish to attend Ultimate Physio or you can attend us here at the clinic and we can contact Kingsbridge for you to confirm your eligibility for your 6 FREE Chartered Physiotherapy sessions

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