There's only really a handful of options. Irish life, laya, VHI and one more I can't remember. I called corn market for a comparison and got the best offer from Irish life for my mum who recently moved over on a stamp 0.  Her plan (benefit 500) costs about 75 euro per month. immigration were satisfied with this plan when she sent in proof of private insurance after she arrived in Ireland. 

just make sure that your plan covers private hospitals

Thank you, Pam and Chris.

May I ask if you encountered any difficulties with Medicare when your mum moved to private insurance in IE?

I am trying to anticipate any administrative headaches and address them in advance.

Thank you for whatever you can share.

Pat Egan
(relocating from Northern California)

@pegan875 Hi Patricia, and welcome to the site. It's best to tag someone with @ + username to get their attention.  e.g. your question was for @pam

@moveclubadmin Thank you. I need to learn the protocols.

I went with Irish Life. I kept my medicare but it is of no use in Ireland.

@gwalt

Thank you, Chris. I had not realized that it would be allowed to keep Medicare.

I kept medicare in case I ever needed to return to US. There is a heavy penalty. I can also telemed with my doctor. I will need to see if supplemental is needed once I settle. I may drop that part. GP and prescriptions are not expensive in Ireland, at least not fir what we need. 

@pegan875 Hi, Patricia...A couple notes regarding medical care and costs: When I arrived in Ireland four years ago, my family chose Irish Life Health for coverage. The premiums are MUCH lower than anything I ever saw in the States, and the care is excellent. Although I would have to say that when scheduling care, especially with a "Consultant" (what is called a "Specialist" in the States) the wait-time can be much longer (months) than what you are used to, but visiting your GP (General Practitioner/ Family Doctor) is a different story; we get in the same day (if necessary) or within the week...One unexpected consequence of my Irish Life Health policy, however, was that I was faced with a 'waiting period' of six months from the date that our policy began. My wife and children received coverage immediately, but because of my age (65 at the time) I literally had coverage, but could not file any claim for 6 months. I feel as though it was the insurance company's way of avoiding pre-existing conditions. Luckily I was in good health and it was a non-issue, but important to know. (And with that in mind, I would be reluctant to imply any causal connection between a current condition and something you felt or experienced in the past, if you get my drift!)...

I enrolled in Medicare while in he US, but since I'm eligible for medical care through the VA, I never relied on Medicare. As Chris Gwaltney mentioned, though, it might prove helpful to maintain coverage if you're planning on a return and extended stay in the States. (For more common visits/vacations back to the States, Irish Life Health -and others- offers traveller's insurance to cover you when away from Ireland.)

Worth noting is that here in Ireland, the HSE (the equivalent of the Dept of Health and Human Services) offers a 'Drug Payment Scheme' card which entitles you to a cap on prescriptions at €114 per month. It's not means tested, and any age qualifies, as long as you are an "ordinary resident" of Ireland (plan to live here for at least a year). Also a plan that may cover you is the HSE 'GP visit card'. If you're over 70, it's not means tested; you simply apply, and with your card you don't pay to see your doctor (GP). Under 70 is means tested.

It saddens me to think of folks back in the States (and I knew a few) who postponed seeing a doctor or were inattentive to their health and wellness because of the costs involved. That shouldn't be an issue for you here.

Hope this helps.