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Use your Medical Card for dental, eye or hearing services

If you have a Medical Card, some dental, eye and hearing services may be provided at a reduced cost or free of charge, depending on your situation and HSE rules.

Important

A GP Visit Card usually does not cover these services. You may still be able to use separate schemes or public clinics.

Use this topic if you or someone you support wants to:
  • See what dental care you can usually get with a Medical Card
  • Understand when a Medical Card can help with eye tests or glasses
  • Learn how Medical Card holders can access hearing tests or hearing aids
  • Prepare questions before you book with a dentist, optician or audiology service
  • Know what to do if you are unsure or refused treatment under the Medical Card

Note

This page offers plain language guidance. It is not a legal document.
Only the Health Service Executive (HSE) can make an official decision about a Medical Card or GP Visit Card.

Before you book an appointment

Before you book, try to have:

  • Your Medical Card number and expiry date
  • Your PPS number
  • Details of any recent treatment for teeth, eyes or hearing
  • A short note of symptoms or problems. for example pain, broken tooth, difficulty hearing or blurred vision

When you contact the dentist, optician or clinic, ask if they accept Medical Card patients and whether the appointment will be:

  • Covered under the Medical Card
  • Partly covered, with a patient contribution
  • Private only, where you pay the full cost

Keeping a record of who you spoke to, when and what they said can help if you need to query anything later.

Steps

Step 1. Dental care using your Medical Card

Many Medical Card holders can get routine dental treatments through dentists who are contracted to the HSE. Entitlements are limited, so some work may still be private.

Typical dental care that may be covered includes:

  • A dental examination to check your teeth and gums
  • Some emergency treatments for pain or infection
  • A limited number of fillings or extractions, based on current HSE rules

Some treatments are usually not covered, for example:

  • Cosmetic dental work
  • Certain types of crowns, bridges or orthodontic treatment

When you contact a dentist:

  1. Say that you have a Medical Card
  2. Ask if they are a dentist who treats Medical Card patients
  3. Explain briefly what is wrong. for example “broken tooth at the back” or “ongoing pain”

The dentist or receptionist should explain:

  • Which treatments are covered under the Medical Card contract
  • Whether there is any charge to you, and in what situations
  • If you need approval from the HSE for certain treatments. for example dentures or more complex work

If you are unsure:

  • Ask them to repeat or write down what is covered and what is private
  • Keep any letters or estimates you get from the dentist

If you feel you have an urgent problem, say that clearly. Dentists will usually try to prioritise pain and infection.

Step 2. Eye tests and glasses using your Medical Card

A Medical Card can sometimes help with eye tests and basic glasses, usually through opticians who have a contract with the HSE.

When you contact an optician:

  1. Say that you have a Medical Card and ask if they accept Medical Card appointments
  2. Ask what is usually covered, for example:
  3. A routine eye test when you need one
  4. A contribution towards standard frames and lenses if glasses are medically needed

The optician should tell you:

  • If you need a referral from your GP or if you can book directly
  • Whether there is any extra cost if you choose more expensive frames or lens options
  • How often you can usually have an eye test under the scheme. for example every few years if medically needed

If you already have eye problems. for example diabetes or glaucoma. your hospital or eye clinic may arrange tests separately. Ask your hospital team or clinic how your Medical Card fits into this.

Step 3. Hearing tests and hearing aids using your Medical Card

Help with hearing tests and hearing aids for Medical Card holders is usually arranged through public audiology or ENT services.

Common routes are:

  1. Talk to your GP

    • Explain any hearing difficulties, for example needing the TV louder, trouble following conversations or ringing in the ears
    • Your GP can check your ears and. if needed. refer you to an audiology clinic or ENT specialist

  2. At the hearing clinic

    • Staff will carry out hearing tests
    • They will tell you if you would benefit from hearing aids and what type

If hearing aids are recommended, ask:

  • Whether they are provided under the Medical Card or another public scheme
  • Whether there is any patient contribution or fitting fee
  • How repairs or replacements are handled and how often this is allowed

If you already use private hearing aids, your Medical Card may not cover the same devices. Ask the clinic to explain all options clearly.

Exact arrangements can vary by local service. Follow any instructions on your referral letter or appointment notice.

Step 4. If you are refused or unsure about cover

Sometimes a dentist, optician or clinic may say that your request is not covered under the Medical Card, or that only part of the cost is covered.

If this happens:

  1. Ask them to explain which part is covered and which part you must pay yourself

  2. Write down:

    • The name of the practice or clinic
    • The name of the person you spoke to
    • The date and a short note of what they said

  3. Check your understanding with:

    • The Medical Card office named on your card or letters, or
    • A Citizens Information Centre, who can help you go through the rules

If you feel you have an urgent medical or dental problem that is not being addressed, tell your GP or hospital team as soon as possible.

What to do next

If you are:

  • Planning dental, eye or hearing treatment, or
  • Unsure whether your Medical Card should cover part of the cost

You can:

  • Write down your questions and bring them to your dentist, optician, audiology clinic or GP
  • Contact your Local Health Office or the Medical Card office on your letters
  • Ask a Citizens Information Centre to help you check your entitlements and next steps

You do not have to figure this out alone.
Staff in the HSE and Citizens Information work with Medical Card queries every day and can help if the rules feel confusing.