Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…Ciara O’Gorman, Development Manager with South Munster Citizens Information Service, looks at important factors to consider when planning a holiday, specifically the European Health Insurance Card and passports…
Today we are going to focus on information in relation to planning for holidays. What information and advice is available from Citizens Information on this topic?
“We provide information on a wide range of issues such as applying for passports, your consumer rights if you are having problems with your flights and in relation to matters such as the European Health Insurance Cards e.g. if you are planning to visit another EU country this year, you should apply for your European Health Insurance Card in case you need to access medical care while abroad.
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Can you tell us about the European Health Insurance Card?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access public healthcare in another EU/EEA state for free or at a reduced rate. You can use it when you are travelling abroad or when you are staying temporarily in another EU State.
Each family member needs their own card. It does not cover private healthcare and does not replace travel insurance. It lasts up to 4 years.
When abroad, always carry your EHIC with you. There is no fee for the European Health Insurance Card or a Temporary Replacement Certificate. Renewing a European Health Insurance Card is also free.
How do you apply for it?
If you are an Irish citizen, an Irish pensioner or an EU citizen living in Ireland you can apply for an EHIC by post or email or online
You will be asked for proof that you live in Ireland. Your card will be posted to you within approximately 10 working days. The digital version of your card will appear in the HSE Health App which you can download.
If you complete an application form you send it to PO Box 11745, Dublin 11 or send it by email to PCRS.Applications@hse.ie. It is no longer sent to your Local Health Office. You can download the form or pick one up from your local Citizens Information Centre.
If you have a card and it has expired, you must renew it, as they are not reissued automatically when they expire. You can renew or replace your EHIC online by submitting a new application.
What if you don’t have your EHIC before you travel?
Apply online if you are travelling abroad in the next 10 days and need your EHIC urgently.
Select the ‘travelling in less than 10 days’ option. They will send you a digital temporary certificate, which is valid for 3 months. If you need help with an urgent application, contact the EHIC service.
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Will you have to pay anything for healthcare with your EHIC?
In some EU member states, you may have to make some payment towards the cost of the services you receive, just as people in that state do. You will not receive a re-fund for this or for private healthcare.
An important item when travelling is your passport. What is the quickest way to renew your passport?
A The Passport Service processes Passport Online applications as a priority. Applying online is the fastest way of getting your passport. Simple online renewals take around 10 working days to process. Complex online renewals take around 15 working days to process.
A complex renewal is when you are asked to submit extra documentation, or you are changing information on your passport. You could be changing your name or reporting a lost or stolen passport.
Since 1 December 2025, the Passport Service will no longer accept the green APS1/APS2 application forms. If you want to submit a paper application, you can contact the Passport Assist Service or phone +353 01 613 1795.
They will create a paper application form with your details pre-filled and post it to you for signing and witnessing (if necessary). The average turnaround time is 6 weeks
If you are applying for your first Irish passport as an adult, the processing times are longer.
Updates on services and the latest turnaround times are available on the Passport Service’s website https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/
Can you apply for your passport in person at the Passport Office?
The counter service at the Passport Office is mainly designed to help people who need their passports urgently, and don’t have enough time to apply in other ways.
In these cases, you should book an appointment with the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork. Applications made in person are more expensive than applying online or through Post Passport.
First time applications cannot be made using an Urgent Appointment. The quickest way to apply for the first time is to use Passport Online.
What happens if you lose your passport or it is stolen?
If you are an Irish citizen living in Ireland and you have lost your Irish passport, or it has been stolen, you must let the Passport Office know immediately and report the loss or theft to the Garda Síochána.
If you lose your passport or it is stolen abroad, you must contact the local police and request a written statement that you have reported the loss of your passport.
The Passport Service will not provide you with a new travel document without a police report. In addition, you must contact your nearest Irish embassy or consulate.
They may be able to give you a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip or an emergency travel document that will get you home
If you are in a country where there is no Irish representation, you may contact an embassy or consulate of another EU member state. In some cases, the embassy or consulate of another EU Member State may issue you with an EU Emergency Travel Document (ETD).
What happens if you need to renew your passport in an emergency?
A. The Passport Service will still offer a same-day emergency service if you need a passport due to a medical emergency or the death of a family member abroad.
Contact the Passport Service by phone 01 671 1633 or by webchat if you need a passport in an emergency.
There is also an Urgent Appointment Service in Cork or Dublin. You must book an appointment before attending. Same day renewal appointments must be booked 3 days in advance and there is a fee of €150 in addition to the €95 passport fee. A four-day turnaround appointment costs for €75 & needs to be booked 3 weeks in advance.
How much does it cost to apply for a passport?
For a Standard 10-year passport, it costs €75 (+ €15 postage if you live outside Ireland) if you apply on-line. If you apply through Post Passport it costs €80 (+€9.50 fee or a €16 fee for a family application for up to 4 applications)
Does a Passport Card cost less than a full passport?
Yes, however you can only get a passport card if you hold a valid Irish passport book. You can use the passport card when traveling in the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA) (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
It is similar in size to a credit card. The passport card costs €35 or you can get a Standard 10 year adult passport & 5 year passport card bundle for €100. You apply for it online
When applying for a Child Passport do both parents have to give consent for the application?
The Passport Service must get consent from all the child’s guardians before it can issue a child’s passport. If you are not in touch with your child’s other parent or guardian, or if that parent or guardian refuses to give consent, you can apply to the District Court for a court order, which will allow the Passport Service to issue the passport without that consent.
The situation is different if you are the sole guardian of a child. This can happen if you are a single mother and the father has not arranged to become a joint guardian.
It also happens if the other parent/guardian is deceased. If you are the sole guardian, you will have to provide an affidavit (AFF 1) stating that you are the sole guardian. This should be completed in the presence of a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths.
If the other parent or guardian is deceased, you will also have to provide a death certificate.
Contacting the Service
South Munster Citizens Information Service continues to work hard to respond to the needs of the local community. Our aim is to be there to support people when they encounter changes in their circumstances or feel they are at a crossroads in their lives, where they are unsure which way to go.
We are very much a face-to-face service so if anyone needs information or assistance in relation to their entitlements, we encourage you to drop in to one of our offices and bring any documents or correspondence relating to the matter with you.
Receiving the correct information that is relevant to your situation at an early stage can make a significant difference and avoid difficulties down the road.
• For anyone needing information, advice or have an advocacy issue, you can call a member of the local Citizens Information team in Kerry on 0818 07 7860, they will be happy to assist and make an appointment if necessary. The offices are staffed from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Alternatively you can email on tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie for further information.
