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Insurance Requirements for Stamp 1 Applications in Ireland

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1. Context: What is Stamp 1?


Stamp 1 is a residence permission linked to an employment permit (Critical Skills, General, or Intra-Company Transfer). It allows the holder to live and work in Ireland for the duration of their employment permit.

Applicants for Stamp 1 (both new and renewals) must register with the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) and present proof of private medical insurance.


2. Legal & Policy Basis


  • Immigration Act 2004: Non-EEA nationals must register and demonstrate they will not be a burden on the State.

  • INIS (Irish Immigration Service Delivery) explicitly states that all non-EEA nationals are required to have private medical insurance before registration.

  • The insurance must provide hospital and medical cover in Ireland. Travel insurance, accident-only insurance, or basic policies covering emergencies abroad are not accepted.


3. Insurance Requirements for Stamp 1 Holders


a) Minimum Coverage

  • In-patient hospital cover (at least semi-private room in a private hospital or public hospital).

  • Day-to-day medical cover (GP visits, prescriptions, diagnostics).

  • Emergency & accident cover in Ireland.

  • Coverage must last for the full duration of the permission granted (typically 12 months or aligned with the work permit).


b) Types of Acceptable Insurance

  • Private health insurance from Irish insurers:

    • VHI Healthcare

    • Irish Life Health

    • Laya Healthcare

  • International private health insurance (IPMI): Must clearly confirm hospital and medical cover within Ireland. Examples: Allianz Care, Bupa Global, Cigna Global.

  • Student travel insurance, visitor insurance, or accident-only insurance is not acceptable.



Expanded Stamp 1 Insurance Guide

I. Irish-Based Private Health Insurance (Mainstream Options)

(best accepted and simplest for GNIB/ISD officers)

Insurer

Example Plan

Annual Cost (€)

Hospital Cover

Day-to-Day Cover

Suitability for Stamp 1

VHI Healthcare

One Plan Starter

~€595

Public & some private hospitals (semi-private)

GP, physio, consultants (limited refunds)

✅ Accepted

Irish Life

Health Plan 16.1

~€620

Public hospitals + limited private network

GP, consultants, diagnostics (set allowances)

✅ Accepted

Laya

Simply Connect

~€640

Public hospitals + wider private network

GP, consultants, diagnostics (broader allowances)

✅ Accepted

II. International Expat Insurance Options

(suitable for those relocating from abroad or needing global coverage; must state hospital & medical cover in Ireland clearly)

Provider

Example Plan

Annual Cost (€)

Key Benefits

Suitability

Allianz Care

Care Pro (Europe + Worldwide)

~€1,500–€2,500

Full hospital cover in Ireland, elective treatments, maternity, dental add-ons

✅ Accepted if policy states Ireland hospital cover

Bupa Global

Worldwide Health Options

~€1,800–€3,200

Global inpatient & outpatient, mental health, evacuation, access to Irish private hospitals

✅ Accepted

Cigna Global

Silver / Gold Expat Plans

~€1,200–€2,800

Hospitalisation, routine care, international provider network, tailored add-ons

✅ Accepted

⚠️ Important: ISD officers often ask for a policy summary letter that explicitly mentions:

  • Hospitalisation in Ireland

  • Policyholder’s name

  • Dates of cover


4. Practical Evidence Required at GNIB/ISD Registration


When registering for Stamp 1, you must show:

  • A certificate of insurance / membership certificate with:

    • Your name

    • Policy number

    • Validity dates (must cover your registration period)

    • Type of cover (hospital and medical treatment in Ireland)


GNIB officers often request a policy summary to ensure it meets the “hospital cover” requirement.


5. Cost Range (2025 Estimates)

  • Irish-based private insurance:

    • Entry-level plans: €550 – €800/year

    • Mid-level: €1,000 – €1,600/year

    • Comprehensive (private hospital network): €2,000 – €2,800/year

  • International expat policies:

    • From €1,200 to €4,000/year depending on coverage (Ireland + global care).


6. Differences Between Stamp 1 and Stamp 2 (Student) Insurance

  • Stamp 2 students can sometimes use cheaper “student medical insurance” (~€120–€250/year, hospital-only).

  • Stamp 1 requires full private health insurance, not student-only policies. The cheapest acceptable Irish plans usually start from around €500–€600/year.


7. Renewal Considerations

  • Each year at renewal, proof of continued valid private health insurance is required.

  • If coverage lapses, ISD can refuse renewal of Stamp 1.


8. Recommendations for Applicants

  1. Choose an Irish-based private health insurance plan for straightforward compliance.

  2. Ensure the policy document explicitly mentions hospital cover in Ireland.

  3. Avoid relying on travel insurance or student-only cover.

  4. For dependents (Stamp 1G, Stamp 3), include them in family policies.


9. Conclusion


To obtain and maintain Stamp 1 permission in Ireland, applicants must hold valid private health insurance with hospital and medical cover in Ireland. The safest and most accepted option is an Irish insurer (VHI, Irish Life, or Laya). International policies are accepted only if they clearly state full in-country hospital cover.


 
 
 

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