What is Telehealth in Ireland? Your Complete Guide to Online Doctor Visits

Telehealth has become a permanent part of the Irish healthcare landscape. What was once a niche service has evolved into a mainstream way for patients across Ireland to access GP care, prescriptions, referrals, and medical advice without leaving their home.

But what exactly is telehealth, how does it work in an Irish context, and is it right for you? This guide covers everything you need to know.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth, sometimes called telemedicine, refers to the delivery of healthcare services remotely using digital technology. In practice, this means consulting with a doctor via:

• Video call: A face-to-face consultation using your phone, tablet, or computer
• Phone call: An audio-only consultation for simpler issues
• Secure messaging: Asynchronous communication for follow-ups or prescription requests

In Ireland, the most common form of telehealth is a live video consultation with a GP. This allows the doctor to see you, assess visible symptoms, discuss your concerns, and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan in real time.

How Telehealth Works in Ireland

The Legal and Regulatory Framework

Telehealth in Ireland operates under the same medical regulations as in-person care. Key points include:

• Irish Medical Council (IMC) Registration: All doctors providing telehealth must be registered with the IMC, just as they would for in-person practice
• Medical Council Guidelines: The IMC published guidance on telemedicine confirming that remote consultations are an acceptable form of medical practice when clinically appropriate
• GDPR Compliance: All patient data must be handled in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation, with health data classified as a special category requiring extra protection
• Prescription Regulations: GPs can issue prescriptions electronically following a telehealth consultation, provided they are satisfied the prescription is clinically appropriate
• HIQA Standards: The Health Information and Quality Authority sets quality and safety standards that apply to digital health services

The Technology

A telehealth consultation requires:

• A device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop)
• A stable internet connection (at least 1-2 Mbps for video)
• A private space where you can speak freely

Platforms like GetYourGP use end-to-end encrypted video technology, meaning your consultation is private and secure. No recordings are shared without your explicit consent.

What Conditions Can Be Treated via Telehealth?

Online GPs can assess and treat a wide range of conditions. Telehealth is particularly effective for:

Common Illnesses

• Colds, flu, and respiratory infections
• Sore throats and ear infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Sinus infections
• Stomach bugs and gastroenteritis

Ongoing Conditions

• Asthma management and inhaler reviews
• Blood pressure monitoring and medication adjustments
• Diabetes management
• Thyroid conditions
• Cholesterol management

Mental Health

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Stress management
• Insomnia
• Bereavement support

Prescriptions

• Repeat prescriptions for ongoing medication
• Contraceptive pill renewals
• New prescriptions for acute conditions
• Prescription reviews and adjustments

Administrative

• Sick certificates for work
• Medical letters and referrals
• Specialist referral letters
• Insurance and travel documentation

Benefits of Telehealth

Convenience

• No travel time or parking costs
• No sitting in a waiting room
• Appointments available outside standard GP hours, including evenings and weekends
• Book from anywhere with an internet connection

Access for Rural Communities

Ireland has significant GP shortages in rural areas. Telehealth removes the geographical barrier, giving patients in Donegal the same access to care as those in Dublin. This is particularly important for:

• Patients who live far from their nearest GP
• Elderly patients who find it difficult to travel
• Parents with young children
• People with mobility issues

Reduced Waiting Times

Many GP practices are booked days or weeks in advance. Telehealth platforms typically offer same-day or next-day appointments, ensuring you get care when you need it rather than when a slot becomes available.

Continuity of Care

Your online GP can access your medical history, review previous consultations, and provide consistent care over time. Prescriptions and referral letters are stored securely and accessible for future appointments.

Infection Control

For patients with contagious conditions, telehealth eliminates the risk of spreading illness in a waiting room. This is particularly relevant during flu season or any future pandemic situation.

Telehealth vs In-Person: When to Choose Each

Choose Telehealth When

• You have a condition that can be assessed visually or through discussion
• You need a repeat prescription or medication review
• You need a sick certificate
• You want a same-day appointment
• You are in a rural area or have limited mobility
• You prefer the convenience of consulting from home

Choose In-Person When

• You need a physical examination (e.g., abdominal palpation, joint assessment)
• You need blood tests, swabs, or other diagnostic procedures
• You have a medical emergency (call 999 or attend A&E)
• You need a procedure such as a wound closure or injection
• Your GP recommends an in-person follow-up

A good telehealth platform will always advise you to seek in-person care when it is clinically necessary. Your safety comes first.

Insurance and Medical Card Coverage

Private Health Insurance

Many Irish private health insurance providers now cover telehealth consultations. Policies vary, so check with your provider. Common insurers that may cover online GP visits include:

• Laya Healthcare
• Irish Life Health
• VHI
• HSF Health Plan

Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards

Currently, telehealth consultations through private platforms like GetYourGP are not covered by medical cards. However, some HSE-funded services do offer telephone and video consultations. If you hold a medical card, speak with your assigned GP practice about whether they offer remote consultations.

Out-of-Pocket Cost

Without insurance coverage, a standard telehealth consultation typically costs from EUR 35, which is often less than a private in-person GP visit (EUR 50-70 in most areas).

How to Use GetYourGP for a Telehealth Consultation

Getting started with an online GP consultation is straightforward:

• Create an Account: Register on GetYourGP with your basic details
• Choose an Appointment: Select a date and time that suits you. Same-day appointments are frequently available
• Complete a Health Questionnaire: Before your consultation, fill in a brief medical history form so your GP can prepare
• Join the Video Call: At your appointment time, join the secure video call from your device
• Receive Your Treatment Plan: Your GP will provide a diagnosis, prescriptions (sent to your chosen pharmacy), referrals, or medical certificates as needed
• Follow Up: Book a follow-up consultation if required, or access your records at any time

Visit How It Works to see the full process, or check our pricing page for current consultation fees.

The Future of Telehealth in Ireland

Telehealth adoption in Ireland has grown significantly since 2020, and it continues to evolve:

• Integration with the HSE: The HSE is investing in digital health infrastructure, including the rollout of Shared Care Records and digital referral pathways
• Wearable Device Integration: Blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and pulse oximeters can increasingly share data with your GP remotely
• AI-Assisted Triage: Artificial intelligence tools are beginning to assist with symptom assessment, helping patients reach the right care faster
• Specialist Telehealth: Beyond GPs, specialist consultations (dermatology, psychiatry, endocrinology) are expanding online
• Chronic Disease Management: Telehealth is becoming a key tool for managing long-term conditions with regular virtual check-ins

The Irish government's Slaintecare programme includes digital health as a core pillar, suggesting telehealth will only become more embedded in the healthcare system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a telehealth consultation as good as seeing a doctor in person?

For many conditions, yes. Research shows that telehealth consultations achieve comparable outcomes to in-person visits for conditions that do not require physical examination. Your GP will always recommend an in-person visit if one is clinically necessary.

Do I need to be tech-savvy to use telehealth?

No. If you can make a video call on your phone or computer, you can use telehealth. GetYourGP is designed to be simple and intuitive. You will receive clear instructions before your appointment.

Can the GP prescribe medication during an online consultation?

Yes. Irish-registered GPs can prescribe medication following a telehealth consultation. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy.

Is my consultation private and secure?

Absolutely. GetYourGP uses end-to-end encrypted video technology and all health data is stored in compliance with GDPR. Your consultation is as private as an in-person visit.

What happens if the GP decides I need to be seen in person?

Your GP will advise you if an in-person visit or referral is needed. They can provide a referral letter to a specialist, recommend an Emergency Department visit if urgent, or advise you to attend your local GP practice.

Can I use telehealth for my children?

Yes. Parents and guardians can book telehealth consultations for children. The parent or guardian must be present during the consultation.

How do I get my prescription after a telehealth consultation?

Your prescription is sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy. You will be notified when it is ready for collection.

*This article was reviewed by Dr. Fasi Ullah, a General Practitioner registered with the Irish Medical Council. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.*

*Last updated: March 2026*