European visitors on holiday in Ireland are entitled to free emergency medical care if they are in possession of a valid EU health card from their home country. UK and NI visitors are eligible with a valid passport, driving licence and NHS number. On moving to live permanently in the Republic of Ireland, the documentation listed above also grants you access to emergency care for a period of up to three months. If you feel you are entitled to a GMS medical card, you should ensure you have applied for it before this time is up, as otherwise private patient fees apply.