Gender Affirmation

When the mirror doesn’t reflect your mind. Gender isn’t always as it appears.

At birth, a baby’s physical appearance dictates which gender it’s given. With so many social expectations around how males and females look, act and think, any mismatch between what someone sees in the mirror and their feelings inside can cause profound anxiety.

If someone has a deep need to live according to their gender identity, rather than their biological sex, intervention can be appropriate. If this happens, Irish Life Health can offer support along the transition process.

How can we help?

1. Initial consultation

Your GP can refer you to a Gender Identity Psychiatrist or Psychologist for an initial assessment and diagnosis.

How we can help*:
- GP Consultation Benefit - Contribution towards the cost of attending a GP

2. Expert Assessment

An expert (or team of experts) can fully assess the many social, psychological and physical issues that can contribute to gender dysphoria.

How we can help*:
- Healthy Minds Benefit - Mental Health Support - Online access to mental health assessments and content and up to 6 counselling sessions via phone, chat, video or face to face
- Consultant Visit Benefit - Contribution towards the cost of attending a consultant

3. Treatment

If your expert care team confirms gender dysphoria, they will put a personalised treatment plan into action. This can include: Cross-Sex Hormone Therapy and Real Life Experience.

How we can help*: 
- GP Consultation Benefit
- Healthy Minds Benefit - Mental Health Support

4. Gender Affirmation Surgery

Having completed your RLE, you may decide to have surgery to permanently alter your sexual appearance.

How we can help*:
- Gender Affirmation Benefit: Cover towards your medical costs for gender affirmation surgical procedures
- Healthy Minds Benefit - Mental Health Support

5. Surgery Follow-up

A full follow-up plan is put in place under the supervision of your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

How we can help*:
- GP Consultation Benefit
- Consultant Visit Benefit
- Healthy Minds Benefit - Mental Health Support

Download brochure

*Benefits available on selected Irish Life Health plans. Please check your table of cover.

Gender Affirmation benefit is available on selected plans to new and renewing members from 1st November 2018. Terms and conditions do apply so please check your Member Handbook.

Download the list of approved gender affirmation procedures available to you.  
Information is correct as at December 2024