How do the Foreign-Born Rate Host Country Health Systems? Evidence from Ireland

Abstract

This article evaluates how foreign-born residents perceive the Irish health system compared to the Irish-born. Using data from the European Social Survey (2002-2012), the article finds that the foreign-born are more positive than the native-born regarding the Irish health system. This positive attitude is most pronounced in the first years after their arrival and decreases with time spent in Ireland. However, perceptions vary according to the country of origin: Polish migrants are much more positive about the Irish health system than the Irish, while British-born residents rate the system just slightly more positively than Irish natives.