£10 Million waiting list reimbursement scheme launches across Northern Ireland

Patients waiting over two years for hospital treatment can now claim back private medical expenses under new scheme.

A major initiative aimed at tackling Northern Ireland’s prolonged hospital waiting times officially launched today (2 June 2025), offering patients the opportunity to reclaim treatment costs incurred outside the region.

The Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme, backed by a £10 million investment, is now live, marking a significant step in addressing healthcare backlogs that have left many patients waiting years for essential hospital procedures.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt described the new initiative as a key component in a broader plan to restore timely healthcare access across Northern Ireland.

“This £10million investment is an important step in addressing the serious challenges posed by long hospital waiting lists,” the Minister said.

“As I outlined to the Assembly, this Scheme is part of a much wider package of initiatives to reduce backlogs and deliver better outcomes for patients. It gives those who have waited two years or more the opportunity to seek treatment privately with the reassurance that costs will be reimbursed up to the HSC equivalent rate.

“I will continue to bring forward further measures to ensure patients across Northern Ireland get the care they need more quickly.”

Who is Eligible?

The scheme is open to patients who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland and have been on a HSC hospital waiting list for more than two years.

Phase One, which launches today, permits reimbursement for treatments carried out in the Republic of Ireland. Phase Two, scheduled for Autumn 2025, will extend the scheme to include treatments across the European Union.

All patients must seek prior approval from the Department of Health before undergoing any treatment. Applications for reimbursement cannot be made retrospectively, and only procedures falling within HSC-approved criteria will be eligible for funding.

How to Apply

A dedicated online information hub has been set up to guide patients through the process. This resource includes step-by-step instructions on eligibility, how to apply, FAQs, and access to the application form.

The hub is available here: https://online.hscni.net/our-work/travelfortreatment/wl-reimbursement/

In addition, a patient helpline staffed by a trained team is available to provide further assistance. The helpline operates Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm, and can be reached at 028 9536 8303.

What This Means for Northern Ireland

With waiting lists among the worst in the UK, the Department of Health’s move represents a new chapter in empowering patients to take control of their treatment timelines. The reimbursement scheme provides financial assurance for those seeking quicker access to care while broader system reforms are underway.

Though initially limited to neighbouring jurisdictions, the forthcoming EU expansion will offer patients even greater flexibility and access to specialist services across Europe, further alleviating the strain on Northern Ireland’s stretched healthcare system.

As the scheme evolves, it is expected to serve as a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to not only reduce waiting times but also rebuild public confidence in health service delivery.