Medical card

People need a medical card in the Republic of Ireland to get free or reduced-rate medical treatment. The cards come from the Health Service Executive.. They are meanstested.  Older people - over 66 and over 70 - have higher limits.  The weekly income limit for a single person living alone under 66 is €184 after tax, Universal Social Charge and Pay Related Social Insurance. For people over 70 the limit is  €550 for a single person. 

There are also allowances for housing costs and the costs of travelling to work.  Savings, investments or property of more than €36,000 for a single person gives a weekly income for each €1,000.

The card entitles the holder to free visits to general practitioners, free or very reduced-price hospital and dental treatment, and prescribed medicine for a charge of €1.50 per item.

People who do not have a medical card may be able to get a GP visit card. This lets them visit a participating family doctor (GP) for free.  This has higher income limits. All children under the age of 6 and people getting get Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance get one free.

300,000 fewer people had medical cards in 2021 than in 2011 but 86,000 more had GP visit cards.

 References 

Category:Healthcare in the Republic of Ireland