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FAQ
What services do Dr. Fast Track offer?
Dr. Fast Track helps those on the public healthcare waiting list to get quicker access to their required medical procedure through our network of pre-approved hospitals in the EU and EEA. Our focus is on equipping patients with information about their rights as an EU citizen, providing easy access to the necessary care required and a quicker return to normal life. For more information, visit our About us-page.
Does Dr. Fast Track offer doctor's appointments?
No, Dr. Fast Track does not offer doctor's appointments. Through our portal, patients get access to booking medical treatments in pre-approved hospitals in the EU and EEA.
Is Dr. Fast Track a medical service?
No, Dr. Fast Track is not a medical service. We are a facilitator, connecting patients and European hospitals. We help patients gain quicker access to necessary medical procedures through our network of pre-approved hospitals in the EU and EEA.
Can I contact someone in Dr. Fast Track by phone to talk through my options?
Please contact us by email or via our contact form. We will respond to your inquiry as soon as we can. For more information, please visit our Contact us-page.
Why should I use Dr. Fast Track?
Dr. Fast Track offers several benefits:
- Quicker access to care: We connect you with pre-approved hospitals in the EU and EEA for faster medical care.
- Free service: Our services are free for patients, making it easier to get the healthcare you need at no additional cost.
- Easy process: Our easy-to-use platform gives you access to healthcare services aboard allowing you to management your own healthcare directly.
- Patient rights: We champion patient rights, providing information about the EU Cross Border Directive and how it works, giving patients the power to book their treatment without undue delay.
- Financing options: In partnership with financial institutions, we offer affordable financing solutions until you are reimbursed by the HSE.
For more information, visit our About us-page.
Does it cost anything to use Dr. Fast Track?
No, there is no cost to use Dr. Fast Track's services. Our services are completely free of charge for patients. For more information, visit our About us-page.
Do I need a referral from a doctor to have surgery abroad?
Yes, in order to use Dr Fast Track to avail of operations abroad (under the Cross Border Directive) all patients will need a valid referral letter from their GP or medical consultant.
Do I have to be on the waiting list for surgery in Ireland to be entitled to avail of the Cross-Border Directive?
To qualify for the Cross-Border Directive patients must be scheduled for a treatment/procedure in the public healthcare system in Ireland and be placed on a waiting list.
What type of operations can be performed in other EU/EEA countries?
There is no definitive list of specific healthcare treatments which HSE patients can avail of abroad under the Cross Border Directive scheme, but most publicly available treatments (under the HSE) are covered under the scheme. Patients should ask their GP and/or Consultant if the treatment/procedure they are being referred for qualifies.
Are parents/guardians also covered for travel and accommodation when accompanying children who are being treated abroad?
Unfortunately, parents and guardians cannot expect to be covered for travel and accommodation expenses when children are treated abroad.
Can I change or cancel my surgery?
Yes, you can change or cancel your surgery at any time. We recommend that you contact us as soon as possible to discuss any updates required to a scheduled procedure to ensure we support you in the best possible way. For more information, please visit our Contact-page.
Is it safe to receive treatment in hospitals abroad?
Yes, it is safe to receive treatment at hospitals abroad that are part of Dr. Fast Track's network. We only work with pre-approved hospitals that meet high qualities of health and safety standards. All our partner hospitals have a low risk of MRSA. For more information about our partner hospitals, visit our About us-page.
What does it cost to have surgery in another EU/EEA country?
Dr Fast Track’s cooperation agreements and partnerships with the healthcare facilities listed on our portal ensure that patients choose a facility where the cost of the treatment/procedure does not exceed what they are entitled to be reimbursed by the HSE afterwards.
How do I pay for the treatment/procedure?
The HSE will not directly pay for the treatment/procedure abroad, but once you have been referred for treatment by your GP and/or medical consultant, you are entitled to reimbursement after you receive treatment in another EU/EEA country, under the Cross Border Directive. This means that patients are required to pay for their received treatment/procedure in full, following this they can seek reimbursement for this cost from the HSE.
- Direct payment to the hospital: You can pay directly to the hospital where you have booked to have your surgery.
- Reimbursement from HSE: After the operation, you can apply for reimbursement from the HSE, provided that the operation has been approved and the healthcare is necessary.
For more information about the payment process and financing options, please visit the Financing-section of our website or contact us directly.
What will I be covered for by HSE?
There is not a definitive list of specific healthcare treatments which HSE patients can avail of abroad under the Cross Border Directive scheme. However, it is generally the case that if the healthcare you are seeking is available publicly in Ireland, you can be referred for the same healthcare abroad. Patients GP and/or Consultant can tell patients if they qualify. For examples of healthcare treatments which are and are not available under the scheme through the HSE please see here.
Where can I apply for a refund?
For full details and the supporting documents you need to provide in order to apply for reimbursement under the Cross Border Directive, please see the HSE’s dedicated applying for reimbursement webpage.