Overview of Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards in Ireland
Medical cards and GP visit cards help people on lower incomes, or with certain health needs, to get public health services at a reduced cost or for free.
They are mainly for people whose income is below set limits, or who meet specific medical or social criteria.
Use this topic if you or someone you support:
- Have heard about the medical card or GP visit card and want to understand them in simple terms
- Are not sure what the difference is between a medical card and a GP visit card
- Want a plain language picture before you look at forms or detailed rules
- Are helping a parent, partner, neighbour or client to work out what they may qualify for
- Already have a card and are not sure what services it covers
- Need to know at a high level how long cards last and when they may be reviewed
If you already know which card you want and only need help with forms, you can go straight to Apply for a medical card or GP visit card You do not need to know anything about health policy or social welfare rules before you read this page.
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What medical cards and GP visit cards give you in everyday language
In everyday terms:
- A medical card usually lets you get most public health services free of charge.
- A GP visit card usually lets you attend a GP that is in the scheme without paying the normal visit fee.
- Some other services may still have charges.
If you have a medical card you can usually:
- Visit your GP free of charge
- Get prescribed medicines for a small prescription charge per item, up to a monthly limit
- Get certain public hospital services free of charge or with lower charges
- Access community health services that are covered in your area
If you have a GP visit card you can usually:
- Visit your GP free of charge
- Still pay normal charges for prescribed medicines, hospital services or other care unless you have another support
Neither card usually covers:
- Private hospital care
- Cosmetic or non medically necessary treatments
- Services from providers who are not in the HSE schemes
The exact list of services is explained later in C. Services you can get with a medical card or GP visit card.
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Who runs the medical card and GP visit card schemes
The schemes are run by the Health Service Executive (HSE), mainly through the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. (PCRS).
In simple terms:
- The HSE sets the rules and decides who qualifies.
- GPs, pharmacies, dentists and other contracted providers deliver the services.
- The Department of Health sets overall health policy for the schemes.
The HSE issues the card and keeps the central record of who holds a medical card or GP visit card.
Who can get a medical card or GP visit card
At a high level, people can qualify through one or more of these paths:
- Income based assessments
Your income is below certain limits for your family size and situation. - Over 70 schemes
People aged 70 or over can often get a medical card or GP visit card under special income limits. - Under 8 and other child schemes
Children under 8 and some other children can get a GP visit card under special rules. - Medical or hardship grounds
In some cases a card can be granted even if your income is above the normal limits. for example where you have very high medical costs. - Specific social welfare payments or protections
Some groups keep a card when moving from certain payments back into work or education.
You do not need to work out every detail now. Use this topic to get a sense of whether:
- You might qualify for a full medical card
- You might qualify for a GP visit card only
- You may need to apply on discretionary or medical grounds
Later topics explain each path in more detail and help you decide which one applies to you.
Types of medical card or GP visit card
In everyday use there are a few main types:
- Standard medical card
For adults or families who qualify on income or other grounds. - Over 70 medical card
For people aged 70 or over who meet the over 70 income rules. - GP visit card
For people who do not qualify for a full medical card but do qualify for free GP visits. - Child GP visit card
For children who get free GP care under age based schemes, for example children under 8. - Discretionary medical card or GP visit card
For people whose medical needs or financial hardship mean they may qualify even if their income is above the usual limits.
On your card you will normally see:
- Your name and PPS number
- The type of card, for example, medical card or GP visit card
- A valid-to date that shows when the card is due for review
- The name of the GP practice you are registered with, where relevant
Some people may also see a digital version of their card in the HSE Health app.
How you normally show or use your card
When you use your card you will normally:
- Bring your card to your GP, pharmacy or other health service
- Present it at reception or to the staff member who checks you in
- Show photo ID if staff need to confirm that the card is yours
- Give your card details when you are referred to a public hospital clinic or service
If you forget your card, the provider may ask you to:
- Pay on the day and seek a refund later, or
- Bring your card in the next time you attend
Later Use your medical card or GP visit card topics explain common day to day situations in more detail.
When your card may be reviewed or changed
Your card may be reviewed or changed if:
- Your income or family circumstances change, for example, a new job or separation
- You move house or change GP
- You move from one age based scheme to another, for example turning 70
- You move from a GP visit card to a full medical card or the other way round
- The HSE runs a routine review of your eligibility
When this happens the HSE may:
- Ask you for updated information or documents
- Issue you with a new card and valid to date
- Decide not to renew your card if you no longer qualify
Later Keep, renew and manage your medical card or GP visit card topics explain what to do in these situations.
What this topic does not cover
This overview does not try to cover every rule. In particular it does not cover:
- The full income assessment rules for every type of card
- The complete list of documents you may need to send
- Detailed rules for temporary stays outside Ireland or planned treatment abroad
- How reviews, refusals or appeals are decided in practice
Those details appear in later Check if you qualify, Apply, Use, and Manage, renew and change your card topics.