The Government will pay for people to have necessary dental or optical treatment done in any other EU state.
Minister for Social and Family Affairs Séamus Brennan announced at the weekend the extension of his department's Treatment Benefits Scheme "to offer additional choice to qualifying customers".
The scheme, which is based on PRSI contributions, will cover dental benefit, optical benefit, contact lenses and hearing aids. Last year 700,000 people benefited from treatment here.
From now on, if people choose to have the treatment in another EU state the department will pay an amount equivalent to the rate that would be paid here or the cost amount if carried out abroad - whichever expense is the lower.
Mr Brennan said the scheme would expand the range of treatment options on offer.
He said he hoped it would encourage people to shop around "for the best available services and prices".
The scheme will differ for those seeking treatment abroad in that the cost will be reimbursed directly to the patient having first paid for the treatment.
For those availing of treatment here, the payment is made to the practitioner.
Treatment here is provided through a panel of approved practitioners who have entered into agreement with the department on a contract basis.
For services abroad the patient must pay in full, and then send an application form for reimbursement, completed by the dentist, optician or audiologist, to the department.
A spokesman for the Minister said the scheme would pay €57.90 for dental examination and diagnosis, scaling and polishing and some of the cost of a range of other dental treatments, including severe gum treatment, fillings, extractions, dentures and root canal therapy.
However crowns, bridgework and implants will not be covered.
Those interested should contact 1890 400 400, ext 4480, before travel.
