Medical Cards

Medical cards are issued by the Health Services Executive (HSE). Entitlement to a medical card is generally means-tested. However, there are some exceptions. Everyone, normally resident in Ireland, that is over 70 years of age, is entitled to a medical card regardless of means. Frontier workers e.g. people who live in the Republic of Ireland, and who work in any other EU country, including N.I. are also entitled to a medical card, without a means-test, provided they have no income from the Republic of Ireland.

The GP Visit Card was announced in 2005 as an initiative to assist those who did not qualify for a medical card on income grounds. It covers the cost of GP visits only.

What health services are normally covered?

If you have a medical card (full eligibility), you are entitled to free GP services; prescribed drugs and medicines; in-patient public hospital services; out-patient services and medical appliances.

You can choose a GP from a panel. The GP must generally have his/her practice within seven miles of where you live. Your GP must accept you as a patient.

Eligibility

Persons with no income other than a social welfare payment will normally qualify for a medical card. However, a card may be issued on compassionate grounds to an individual or a family who does not satisfy the means-test.

Lone parents with dependants are assessed under the income limits for married persons.

For information on how the means-test is conducted or for an application form (MC1 or MC2 for those over 70), you can contact the HSE – medical card section at Community Care Office, Ballybofey 074 – 9131391. Alternatively, you can contact your local Community Welfare Officer (CWO) or your Citizens Information. You can download an application form for a medical card at www.hse.ie. Details of all incomes must be submitted with the application as well as details of various outgoings e.g. rent/mortgage, travel costs to work, childcare costs, ongoing medical expenses, necessary home improvement loans.