The Health Services Executive (HSE) will decide. Usually, you need to live in Ireland for one year or more to be considered a resident.

• A work permit or visa
• A letter from your employer or an employment contract
• Evidence of transfer of funds to Ireland, bank accounts or the transfer of a pension
• Proof that you have bought a house or apartment in Ireland, or
• Proof that are renting
• Your GNIB card

• Visits to a family doctor (GP)
• Prescriptions drugs (with a small fee for each item)
• Public hospital services
• Some dental, optical and aural services
• Maternity and infant care services
• Community care
• Personal social services including nursing, home help, physiotherapy, chiropody and respite care

You might qualify for a GP Visit Card even if you don’t qualify for a medical card. A GP Visit Card gives you free access to GP services. Generally, an income test will determine whether you qualify for a medical card or a GP Visit Card. Children under 8 and all people over 70 years of age are entitled to a GP Visit Card without an income test. The HSE will determine if you qualify for a GP Visit Card, you don’t need to fill in a separate form.

• You will still be able to use health services but you will need to pay a small fee. If you are in hospital, you will need to pay:
  • In-patient fees
  • Out-patient fees
  • Accident and Emergency (A&E) fees
• There is a limit to how much you will be asked to pay.
  • You won’t pay more than €80 no matter how many medicines you or your family need.
  • Some prescription medication, for illnesses such as epilepsy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and intellectual disability, is free.
  • Pregnant women are entitled to the free Maternity and Infant Care Scheme
  • You are entitled to some community care services such as nursing, home help, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody, day care and respite care