Medical and Health Insurance Cover at Smarmore Castle
Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing, and you are not alone. If you or someone you care about needs help, health insurance may be the answer to help ease your path into treatment. Smarmore Castle Private Clinic works with a wide range of Irish and international health insurers to make access to high-quality, evidence-based addiction treatment more accessible.
Whether you’re seeking support for alcohol, drugs, prescription medication use, or other addictions, your health insurance policy may cover some or all of the cost of inpatient rehab in Ireland.
Smarmore Castle is also contracted by the Health Service Executive (HSE), and accepts referrals through public funding channels.
Does Health Insurance Cover Addiction Rehab in Ireland?
Yes. Many Irish health insurance providers offer full or partial cover for residential addiction treatment in Ireland, including detoxification and psychotherapy. However, coverage depends on your specific policy.
Some plans cover mental health, but not inpatient care. Others may require prior authorisation or have provider networks. It’s important to contact your Irish health insurer to clarify exactly what is included. Our team can also help you understand your options.
Addiction Treatment Covered by Health Insurance
Many policies cover drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and behavioural addiction treatment in Ireland. However, this will depend on your policy and the level of coverage you have. As part of your policy, you may be entitled to access addiction treatment in a residential setting and be covered for the following services:
- Medically managed detoxification
- Inpatient rehab programme (4–6 weeks typical duration)
- Specialist individual and group therapy for alcohol, drugs, and prescription medication use
- Dual diagnosis support for co-occurring mental health concerns
- Family therapy
- Ongoing relapse prevention support
Most insurers fund an initial 28-day stay. If you need more time, extensions may be possible depending on the clinical need to extend your stay.
Addictions We Treat
Alcohol Addiction | Drug Addiction | Cannabis Addiction | Cocaine Addiction | Heroin Addiction | Ketamine Addiction | Prescription Drug Addiction | Gambling Addiction | Work Addiction | Oxycodone Addiction | Diazepam Addiction | Benzodiazepine Addiction | Pregabalin Addiction | Porn Addiction | Diazepam Addiction | Internet and Social Media Addiction | Crystal Meth Addiction |
Which Insurers Cover Treatment at Smarmore Castle?
Smarmore Castle accepts private health insurance from a range of Irish and international providers, including:
- VHI Healthcare
- GeoBlue
- St Paul’s Garda Medical Aid Society
- United Healthcare
- Henner
- TRICARE
- Bupa Global
- Other major international insurers
We liaise directly with insurers to reduce the administrative burden on patients and make the process as smooth as possible. If you’re unsure whether your insurer covers private rehab in Ireland, our team can guide you through the next steps.

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How to Use Your Health Insurance to Access Rehab in Ireland
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Step 1: Check with Your Irish Health Insurance Provider
We advise patients to contact their private health insurance provider to ask if their policy covers inpatient addiction treatment in Ireland. Ask about the full scope of the policy, including whether it covers detox, residential rehab, and psychiatric care.
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Step 2: Contact Smarmore Castle Admissions
Once you have confirmation, and if you choose Smarmore Castle for your addiction treatment, please contact our admissions team. We’ll ask for your authorisation code, policy number, and any documentation provided by your insurer.
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Step 3: Clinical Assessment
You’ll receive a free, confidential assessment with one of our team. This conversation allows us to understand your background and current needs, so we can build a personalised treatment plan.
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Step 4: Health Insurance Authorisation
With your permission, we’ll submit a funding request to your insurer and manage the paperwork. This helps avoid delays and keeps things as stress-free as possible.
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Step 5: Begin Treatment
Once funding is approved, you may be able to enter treatment within 24–48 hours. Our team will support you at every stage.
What If I Don’t Have Health Insurance?
If you are not covered by a private health insurance plan, you still have options for accessing residential rehab in Ireland:
- Private funding: Self-funding can allow for quick access. Our team will explain your treatment costs and options during admissions.
- HSE funding: Smarmore Castle is a Health Service Executive (HSE)-contracted provider. Referrals are made via local addiction services. Please contact your healthcare provider to enquire about a referral.
- Employer or professional schemes: Some employers support addiction treatment through occupational health plans.
- Charity referrals: In some cases, charitable organisations can help fund treatment.
Please don’t let finances be a barrier to seeking help. Contact our team to explore your options.
Why Choose Smarmore Castle?
- Over 10 years helping people just like you
- Accredited by CHKS and ISO 9001 for quality and safety
- Family-run clinic where you’re treated as a person, not a number
- Medically led with 24/7 detox and therapy support
- Comfortable, private rooms in peaceful rural surroundings
- Trusted by VHI Insurance and the HSE
Please Note:
Please note that there is no guarantee that you can be covered for all addiction problems, as policies are always assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Smarmore Castle does not endorse any particular insurance provider, including the ones mentioned on this list.
Smarmore Castle is unable to provide specific advice on any individual insurer and the coverage they may provide, including those mentioned on this page. We do not have any knowledge of their past performance or what charges you can incur.
This list is not exhaustive. This means that many other insurance providers can provide specialist cover for many different conditions. You will need to judge the provider based on finding the most appropriate care for your situation.
Smarmore Castle works with the following insurers mentioned on this list, which means members of these funds, which include family members, are able to access our addiction rehabilitation services.
Start Your Recovery with Confidence
At Smarmore Castle, recovery begins with understanding and support. Our experienced, medically-led team delivers addiction care that respects your privacy, protects your dignity, and helps you move forward.
If you’re covered by health insurance in Ireland or internationally, we’ll work with your provider to make the process clear and stress-free.

Are Your Ready to Begin Your Recovery?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does VHI cover addiction rehab in Ireland?
Yes, VHI Healthcare may cover inpatient addiction treatment at Smarmore Castle. Speak with VHI to confirm whether your policy includes detox, rehab, and psychiatric services.
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Is Smarmore Castle a HSE-contracted facility?
Yes. Smarmore Castle works with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide publicly funded residential addiction treatment in Ireland.
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Can I use international health insurance at Smarmore Castle?
Yes. We accept cover from several international providers, including Bupa Global, Henner, United Healthcare, and TRICARE.
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How long will health insurance cover my rehab stay?
Most health insurance policies cover up to 28 days of inpatient care. In some cases, extended stays may be authorised based on clinical need.
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Will I get a private room if I use health insurance?
In many cases, yes. If your policy covers private inpatient care, you may be entitled to your own room. Check with your insurer.
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Where is Smarmore Castle located?
Yes. Smarmore Castle is located in County Louth, around 45 minutes north of Dublin, making it accessible to patients across Leinster and beyond.