Maternity Care in Ireland
Ireland offers three main pathways for maternity care: public, semi-private, and private. The level of choice, continuity of care, and cost vary significantly between them. Updated for 2026 HSE.
Public Maternity Care (HSE)
Under the Maternity & Infant Care Scheme, all women who are ordinarily resident in Ireland are entitled to free maternity care through the public system.
What's Covered
- Antenatal visits with your GP and hospital team.
- Standard blood tests and ultrasound scans.
- Care during labour and delivery (in a public ward).
- Postnatal care (6-week check, breastfeeding support).
Cost
Free — there are no charges for public maternity care. Hospital inpatient charges (€80/day) are waived for maternity patients.
Limitations
You will see different doctors/midwives at each visit (no continuity of care). You cannot choose your consultant. You will be in a shared ward after delivery (typically 4–6 beds).
Semi-Private Maternity Care
Available if you have private health insurance or choose to pay out-of-pocket. Semi-private care gives you:
- Care under a named consultant of your choice.
- Semi-private room after delivery (2–4 beds).
- Your consultant (or their team) delivers your baby.
Most health insurance plans include semi-private maternity cover. Check your policy for details on waiting periods (typically 52 weeks for planned maternity care).
Out-of-pocket cost (without insurance): Typically €2,000–€4,000 total for consultant fees and semi-private accommodation.
Private Maternity Care
Private care offers the highest level of choice and comfort:
- Your chosen consultant manages all your care.
- Private room after delivery (subject to availability).
- More scan appointments and flexibility.
- Access to private hospitals (e.g., Mount Carmel, The Hermitage).
Cost (with insurance): Depending on your plan, most or all of the cost is covered. You may still need to pay consultant fees upfront and claim back.
Cost (without insurance): €3,000–€7,000 for the full package, plus hospital accommodation charges.
Key Maternity Hospitals in Ireland
- National Maternity Hospital (Holles Street) — Dublin's largest maternity hospital.
- Rotunda Hospital — Dublin's oldest maternity hospital.
- Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital — Dublin.
- University Maternity Hospital Limerick — the main maternity hospital in the Mid-West.
- Cork University Maternity Hospital — the main maternity hospital in the South.
- Galway University Hospital (Maternity) — the main maternity hospital in the West.
Maternity Leave and Benefit
- Maternity leave: 26 weeks paid + 16 weeks unpaid.
- Maternity Benefit: €274 per week (2026 rate), paid by the Department of Social Protection.
- Parent's Leave: 9 weeks per parent per child, paid at €274 per week.
- Father's leave: 2 weeks Paternity Benefit at €274 per week.