I am going to Galway or Doolin first, then to Dingle, and Killarney and finishing up at Ennis or Bunratty. What medical facilities would I use should I have any emergencies? Thanks so much.

Not entirely sure what you are asking, but:

In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for an ambulance - they'll come and take you to the nearest suitable facility.

If you have a less pressing medical issue I'd just ask your hotel to recommend a GP.

You should probably be familiar with what your insurance covers and how they work re. reimbursement.

Thanks so much. I have ChampVA, a federal military insurance, and they cover a reasonable amount and not the full bill. Do you know how this would work in Ireland? I know they don't have the same governing policies for their government. My insurance told me to have them call the 800 number of the federal insurance company. Do you think that would be the thing to do or do you have other suggestions for me. I do appreciate your time.

I would do whatever your insurance company tells you to do. They're the ones who will be covering your bills.

A U.S. 800 number will not work in Ireland, or anywhere else in Europe. You need to find the alternative number which is not free to use. This is standard practice when phoning internationally, so there must be one. You should also make note of a non-800 number for your bank, and anyone else you might need to contact while abroad.

With US medical insurance, almost all overseas situations are pay-and-claim (you pay, then file a claim to get reimbursed). The exception is IF you are hospitalized. (I ended up in an Italian hospital with a spinal fracture, so I speak with some experience.)

In that case, you'll want to give the hospital the phone numbers to call CHAMPUS. You'll also want to call them yourself. Your goal is that the hospital will bill CHAMPUS and then accept direct payment from them. CHAMPUS also has to agree to fool with making overseas payments.

If you have travel insurance, don't forget to call them too. If you need help getting home, the travel insurance usually will pay ONLY for arrangements they make themselves. (Again, I've worked for travel insurance companies, so speak with some experience.)

You need to ask your plan what they will cover exUS. typically you have to pay the bill yourself and then file with the plan who will reimburse what they deem appropriate. Be sure to bring complete medical records bak with you if this occues.

If you're talking about an emergency - like an accident - youwil be taken to the nearest hospital. If a minor problem, agree to ask your hotel for thename of a local MD.

If you have some sort of chronic problem that may flare up I would try to get the name of MDs from you current physician = and bring along all you Rx info and any appropriate information.

Thank you so much and I also need some expert advice on the company for travel insurance. I am in the process of checking them out but if I could hear it from an official, that would be just dandy. Thanks all, and special thanks for nytraveler's help on the travel insurance. Peg