COVID-19 update

If you apply for a medical card online during Covid-19, you DO NOT have to sign the form or bring it to GP. The HSE will contact a doctor electronically.

The HSE has decided it will extend eligibility automatically for up to one year for existing cards which fall due to expire during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Learn more >>>

If you need further information and support please contact Cairde 01 855 2111, 01 8020785.

The Health Services Executive (HSE) gives a medical card to people who are ordinarily resident in Ireland but can’t afford to pay for health services. With medical card you can get the following services free of charge:

• Your visits to a General Practitioner (family doctor)
• Prescribed drugs and medicines, subject to a small charge for each item prescribed
• Public hospital services
• Some dental, optical and aural services
• Maternity and infant care services
• Community care and personal social services such as public health nursing, home help, physiotherapy, chiropody and respite care.

You can apply for a medical card once you have lived here for more than one year. The HSE will consider your application and may do an income test before deciding on your eligibility for a medical card.

If the HSE provides you with a medical card, all of your dependents will be covered too.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page for details on how to apply for a medical card.

If your income is too high for you to qualify for a medical card, you may still qualify for a GP Visit Card.

A GP Visit Card provides you with unlimited visits to a GP. If you need other health services, you may need to pay a small fee.

Anyone under the age of six or over the age of 70 is entitled to a GP Visit Card regardless of income.