BreastCheck Ireland is a free breast cancer screening service operated by the HSE.
The screening involves having an x-ray of the breast called a mammogram and results will be sent within 3 weeks of the test. You become eligible for free Breast screenings when you reach the age of 50 and eligibility continues up until the age of 69. During this time, you will be invited to attend a free screening in your local screening unit or mobile clinic.

Find your nearest BreastCheck service

CerivalCheck is a free cervical health screening service operated by the HSE.
It is a test that can detect if you are at risk of developing cervical cancer. It screens for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and, if found, the same test is screened for abnormal cells (pre- cancerous). You receive your results within 4 to 6 weeks after the test.

All people with a Cervix aged between 25 and 65 will be invited for free regular screening.

Check Eligibility

BowelScreen is a free bowel cancer screening service operated by the HSE.
Bowel cancer is also known as colon, rectal or colorectal cancer. The test involves taking a simple stool sample at home. If the level of blood detected in the sample is above the screening limit you will be referred for a colonoscopy.

Free bowel cancer screening is available to all people aged between 60 and 69 living in Ireland. You need to be on the bowel screening register in order to get invited for the screening.

Register for Bowel Screening

Diabetic RetinaScreen is a free diabetic retinopathy screening service available to all persons with type 1 or type 2 diabetes ages 12 years and over.
Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication due to diabetes caused by high glucose levels. This leads to damage to the back of the eye which could cause blindness if left untreated. 

To be invited for your free screening you need to be on the register for screening. You can be added to the register by a healthcare professional or you can add yourself.

Add yourself to the Register

In October 2022 the HSE launched the Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy programme.
This programme allows for free STI testing for those over the age of 17 years.

This free national service gives people the chance to test themselves in the comfort of their home.

The test can be ordered online and is delivered to your home. Once performed the test can be sent back to a laboratory for testing, in a prepaid envelope ensuring the whole process is free of charge.

The home kit tests for:

• HIV
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhoea

You may also get a test for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, but they may not always be needed.

Order your test 

Treatment Benefit is a scheme run by the Department of Social Protection in Ireland
The Treatment Benefit Scheme provides a financial contribution towards dental, aural and optical services. It is available to employees, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of social insurance contributions (PRSI).

To check if you have the required PRSI contributions please use the following link: eligibility-checker

Under this scheme you may qualify for financial contributions towards:

• Dental Care
• Optical Care
• Hearing Aids
• Hair Piece and Wig

DENTAL CARE:

The following benefits towards dental care are covered under this scheme:

• The full cost of an oral examination is covered once a year.
• A payment of 42 euro towards either a scale and polish or periodontal treatment once a year.

The treatments are provided by private dentists.

To check which dentists are available under this scheme see the following: 
List of Dentists

OPTICAL CARE:

The following benefits towards optical are covered under this scheme:

• One free eye test once every two years.
• A set payment every two years towards glasses or contact lenses.

The test is carried out by opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists who have a contract with the Department of Social Protection. Contact your local optician to see if the Treatment Benefit scheme is available.

HEARING AIDS:

The following benefits towards hearing aids are covered under this scheme:

• The full cost of a hearing aid up to the price of 500 euro (1,000 euro for a pair) is covered once every four years.
• The cost of repairs to hearing aids up to a maximum of 100 euro.

The hearing aids are provided by suppliers that have a contract with the Department of Social Protection.

HAIR PIECE AND WIG:

Under the Treatment Benefit scheme, you can get up to 500 euro for one hair replacement item such as a hair piece or wig once a year. The hair loss must be caused by a disease or treatment for a disease. You must buy the hair piece or wig from a supplier approved by the Department of Social Protection.

To check suppliers please see the following: 
Hair Replacement Suppliers List