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.