Health and Social Welfare

A medical card allows you to access certain health services free of charge. Your dependent spouse or partner and children can usually receive the same services for free. Medical cards are issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Anyone who is ordinarily resident in Ireland—meaning you live here and intend to stay for at least one year—can apply. Eligibility is based on a means test that considers:

  • Weekly income
  • Savings and investments
  • Property (excluding your home)

Yes.

  • Ukraine: If you're arriving under the Temporary Protection Directive, you may be entitled to a medical card immediately. A special application form is available.
  • EU, UK, and non-EU countries: You can check your entitlement to public health services and medical cards based on your residency and circumstances.

First you must register with a GP. Please see below how to do that.

You can apply for a medical card online or by post. Please visit the official HSE website to apply.

You can contact:

  • Phone: 01 864 7100 or Lo-call 0818 22 44 78
  • Email: clientregistration@hse.ie
  • Visit your Local Health Office

Yes. Before applying for a medical card, you must find a GP (doctor) who agrees to accept you as a patient. If GPs in your area are full and cannot accept you, include a cover letter with your application listing three GPs who declined. 

Example:

"I have not been able to find a GP in my local area to accept me as a patient.  Here are the details of 3 GPs I asked:  

- Dr. Name, Address  

- Dr. Name, Address  

- Dr. Name, Address  

I kindly ask the HSE to allocate me a GP."

You may still be eligible for a GP Visit Card, which allows free visits to a general practitioner even if you don’t qualify for a full medical card.

 With a medical card, you can access:

  • GP services
  • Hospital in-patient and out-patient care
  • Prescription medicines (some exceptions)
  • Women's health services
  • Psychological support for trauma
  • Sight tests and glasses
  • Hearing tests and aids
  • Dental care for adults and referred children If you live solely on the Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA), you do not pay the usual prescription charge.

Yes. Some services are free even if you don’t have a medical card, including:

  • Maternity care
  • Immunisations
  • Public Health Nurse referrals (especially for pregnant women or young children) Note: Access may depend on medical need and availability.

Generally, yes. However, you must demonstrate your income as part of the application. This can be more complex if you’re not receiving the Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA). If you are not working, you can submit a recent bank statement as proof of financial need.

All asylum seekers are offered free medical screening. This includes:

  • Tests for TB, Hepatitis B & C, HIV
  • Vaccination checks This service is confidential and separate from your protection application. Any follow-up treatment is covered under the medical card scheme.

If you're arriving from Ukraine under the Temporary Protection Directive:

  • You are entitled to the same public healthcare services as Irish residents.
  • You can get a medical card that covers doctor visits, health services, and reduced-cost medicines.
  • Children over 16 must apply separately.

To apply:

You’ll need:

  • Your name, address, and date of birth
  • PPS number
  • GP’s address, stamp, and signature (or request HSE to assign one)
  • Interpreter support if needed
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