Cross-Border Orthodontic Treatment for Republic of Ireland Patients

A Guide for Families Using the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (NIPHS)

1. What Is the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (NIPHS)?

The Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (NIPHS) allows people who live in the Republic of Ireland to:

  • Receive planned healthcare in a private clinic in Northern Ireland, including orthodontic care
  • Pay for treatment upfront, and
  • Apply to the HSE for a partial refund after treatment is completed

This scheme replaced the EU Cross-Border Directive for care in Northern Ireland and is widely used by families seeking faster access to orthodontic treatment.

2. Who Is Eligible for Orthodontic Care Under NIPHS?

NIPHS does not cover private orthodontics for everyone. It is specifically for children who:

  1. Live in the Republic of Ireland, and
  2. Have already been assessed and approved for HSE orthodontic treatment

This usually means:

  • The child was seen through the HSE school dental screening
  • A referral was made to the HSE orthodontic service
  • The child meets the HSE clinical criteria for orthodontic treatment
  • The family received a letter confirming their eligibility and place on the waiting list

Adults are (generally) not eligible for orthodontic refunds under NIPHS.

3. Why Do Families Choose Private Treatment in Northern Ireland?

Many families in the Republic face waiting times of several years before orthodontic treatment begins in the public system.

By attending a private clinic in Northern Ireland (such as Armagh Orthodontic Clinic), families can:

  • Start treatment sooner
  • Reduce long waiting periods
  • Still qualify to apply for a partial HSE refund

This is especially popular for families in border counties (Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Donegal), but any ROI resident can use the scheme.

4. How Much Can Families Claim Back?

For orthodontics, the HSE provides a fixed maximum repayment of €2,200, and can be broken down as:

  • €100 – Orthodontic assessment
  • €2,100 – Orthodontic treatment

Important notes:

  • Repayment is up to these caps
  • The HSE refunds the lower of the treatment cost vs. equivalent care in the Irish public system
  • The refund is only issued after full treatment is completed (i.e., after braces are removed and the patient is in retainers)

Families may also be eligible for 20% Tax Relief (Med 2) through Revenue for private dental treatment, which can further reduce their total cost.

5. Step-By-Step: How Families Use an NI Orthodontist Under NIPHS

  1. Confirm HSE Orthodontic Eligibility
    Parents must have a letter/confirmation from the HSE orthodontic service confirming the child is approved for treatment.
  2. Book a Private Consultation in Northern Ireland
    Families can contact a private NI provider (e.g., Armagh Orthodontic Clinic) directly for an assessment.
  3. Optional: Submit a “Prior Notification” to the HSE
    This allows the HSE to confirm eligibility and give an estimate of what may be refunded.
  4. Begin Treatment
    Treatment is paid directly to the clinic by the family. Invoices must be itemised and include:
    • Clinic name & address
    • Child’s name
    • Dates of treatment
    • Breakdown of costs
    • Proof of payment (bank statement, card receipt, EFT confirmation)
  5. Complete Treatment & Apply for Refund
    After braces are removed, families submit their NIPHS claim with:
    • Completed NIPHS form
    • HSE eligibility letter
    • NI orthodontist's signed section
    • Invoices & receipts
    The HSE then processes the refund.

6. What Is Not Covered?

  • Adults or children not eligible for HSE orthodontics
  • Cosmetic orthodontics or aligner treatment outside HSE criteria
  • Travel or accommodation
  • Costs not directly related to care
  • Treatment still in progress (must be fully completed before claiming)

7. Why Choose Armagh Orthodontics?

  • Fast access to treatment
  • Expertise in caring for patients from the Republic of Ireland
  • Clear, itemised billing compliant with NIPHS requirements
  • Support with completion of NIPHS forms and documentation
  • Flexible appointment options for border-county families

8. FAQ

Can my child get braces in Northern Ireland and still receive an HSE refund?
Yes – if they have been officially approved for HSE orthodontic treatment.
Do I get the refund before treatment?
No. Refunds are processed after full treatment is completed.
How much will I get back?
Up to €2,200, depending on the orthodontic costs and HSE criteria.
Can adults apply?
No. NIPHS orthodontic refunds apply only to children who qualify for public orthodontic care.
How do I book an appointment?
Families can contact Armagh Orthodontic Clinic directly for a consultation.