The Medical Card provides free healthcare services including: GP visits, prescribed drugs and medicines (a small per-item prescription charge applies, capped each month), hospital inpatient and day care, dental, optical, and aural services, and maternity care. Eligibility is primarily means-tested (income limits vary by age and household size). You may still qualify on hardship grounds even if your income is above the threshold — always ask the HSE to review your case. A GP Visit Card (less comprehensive, covers GP visits only) is available for those with income slightly above medical card limits. Children under 8 and adults over 70 have entitlement to a GP Visit Card.
Budget 2027 made no change to medical card income thresholds. The Government said that only around 40% of people eligible for a GP Visit Card have signed up, and it will begin a drive in 2027 to encourage more to register.
Means-tested based on income and household size — check hse.ie for current thresholds. May qualify on hardship grounds even above income limits. All children under 8 and adults over 70 qualify for a GP Visit Card.