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Find the right way to apply for a Medical Card or GP Visit Card

Use this page to find the best way to apply for a Medical Card or GP Visit Card.

Use this topic if you or someone you support:
  • Already checked your situation using Check if you can get a Medical Card or GP Visit Card, or
  • Know you want to apply now and want to pick the right route: online or by post

If you are not sure whether you qualify at all, you can always check again:

Go back to the start of the checker

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.

Steps

  1. Match your situation to a form in the table below.

    • Find the row that best matches your situation in the table.
    • Click through to the detailed page for that form. One application form can usually cover you, your spouse or partner, and any dependants who share the same household. start with the Income and expenses checker if you want a simple first pass.
    • Follow the steps on that page to gather documents, complete the form, and send it to the right place.
If this is your situation Use this route What this route is for
You are under 70, live in Ireland, are comfortable using the internet, and want to apply for yourself, your spouse or partner, and any dependants in your household Apply online. Most people under 70
How to apply online for a Medical Card or GP Visit Card 		Uses the HSE’s online service at mymedicalcard.ie to apply for a Medical Card or GP Visit Card. Suits most people under 70 who can scan or photograph their documents.
You cannot or do not want to use the online service, or you have been given a paper form to complete Apply by post using form MC1
How to apply using form MC1. Medical Card and GP Visit Card Application Form 		Lets you apply using the MC1 Medical Card and GP Visit Card Application Form. Explains what details to fill in, what documents to include, and where to send the form.
You or your spouse or partner are aged 70 or over Apply if you are 70 or over
How to apply using the over 70s Medical Card and GP Visit Card application route 		Explains the over 70s Gross Income Scheme and how to apply using the MC1(a) Medical Card and GP Visit Card Application Form – People aged 70 or over, or the online over 70s route if that suits you better.
You are aged 16 to 25 and need to apply in your own name Apply if you are 16 to 25
How to apply for a Medical Card or GP Visit Card if you are 16 to 25 		Explains how the rules work if you live with parents or guardians and their income is still counted. If you can be assessed in your own right, guides you through applying in your own name using the correct form, and what evidence about income and living arrangements to send.
You or a dependant may qualify under EU or cross-border rules because of work or pensions from another EU or EEA country, Switzerland or the UK Apply under EU Regulations
How to apply for a Medical Card under EU Regulations 		Explains when EU Regulations may give you a right to a Medical Card or GP Visit Card, for example if you work in another EU or EEA country or receive a social security pension from there while living in Ireland. Sets out which EU forms or evidence you need and how to send them.
Your income is above the usual guidelines, but medical or care costs are very high, or your income and outgoings have changed suddenly Ask for a card on hardship or medical grounds
How to apply for a Medical Card or GP Visit Card on hardship or medical grounds 		Walks through using the standard application form but highlighting discretionary grounds, such as very high medical or care costs or serious changes in your household finances. Explains what extra letters and receipts to send so the HSE can review your case in detail.

Tip

If you are still unsure, you can:

  • Start with Check if you can get a Medical Card or GP Visit Card, or
  • Make a note of your situation and bring this page to your local Citizens Information Centre or Intreo Centre, and ask staff which form you should use

What to do next