Irish healthcare services provider Healthcare Abroad has announced a partnership with Vithas Xanit International Hospital in Malaga, expanding access for Irish patients under the EU Cross-Border Directive, according to Echo.ie.

The partnership will enable Irish patients to access treatment across a wide range of medical specialties at the private hospital, with capacity to treat up to 800 patients per annum.

The latest agreement builds on recent partnerships with Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Professor Barry O'Reilly to perform TVT sling surgery at Vithas Valencia, Spain, and Dr Lucas Minig to provide specialist endometriosis care at Viamed Santa Elena Hospital in Madrid.

Earlier in 2025, Healthcare Abroad partnered with IM Clinic in Barcelona to provide medically indicated breast reduction surgery for Irish patients.

Xanit International Hospital is part of the Vithas Healthcare Group and offers treatment across specialties including orthopaedics, general surgery, gynaecology, urology, diagnostics and other planned procedures commonly associated with extended waiting times in Ireland.

Under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, Irish residents are entitled to access planned medical treatment in other EU countries, with eligible costs reimbursed by the HSE. Healthcare Abroad manages the end-to-end process for patients, from eligibility assessment and documentation through to treatment coordination and post-treatment support.

Paul Byrne, Chief Operations Officer at Healthcare Abroad, said: "This partnership with Xanit International Hospital marks a significant expansion of our European network and our ability to support Irish patients who are waiting too long for planned care."

He added: "This agreement further strengthens our capacity to meet growing demand and ensures patients are aware of the safe, HSE-backed options available to them under the EU Cross-Border Directive."

Discover how Healthcare Abroad is expanding European treatment access for Irish patients in the complete article.