Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme set to launch on 2 June, Minister Confirms

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has confirmed the introduction of a new £10 million initiative designed to ease Northern Ireland’s lengthy hospital waiting lists by reimbursing patients for private treatments received outside the region.

The Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme, set to commence on 2 June 2025, will enable eligible patients who have been waiting two years or more for hospital procedures to claim back the cost of treatment undertaken in the Republic of Ireland, up to the Health and Social Care (HSC) equivalent rate.

Announcing the move, Minister Nesbitt said:

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

“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.”

The Department of Health has confirmed that the scheme will be rolled out in phases:

• Phase One (from 2 June 2025): Reimbursement for eligible treatments carried out in the Republic of Ireland.

• Phase Two (date to be confirmed): A proposed expansion to include treatments received in other European Union countries, pending available funding.

The scheme is open to patients ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland who have remained on an HSC waiting list for two years or more.

Crucially, patients must obtain prior approval from the Department before undergoing treatment. Retrospective applications will not be accepted, reinforcing the importance of following the correct application process.

A dedicated online information hub will be launched to support patients through the application procedure. The hub will include detailed guidance, eligibility criteria, frequently asked questions, and access to the application form.

To further assist, a telephone helpline will be available Monday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm. Details on how to access both the helpline and the online platform will be released shortly.

This new scheme is being welcomed as a significant step in tackling Northern Ireland’s hospital backlog, providing patients with greater autonomy and financial reassurance when seeking timely medical intervention.

As the healthcare system continues to grapple with capacity issues, further developments and additional support measures are expected to be announced in the coming months.