Medical Card Ireland 2026 — Free GP, prescriptions and hospital care
Medical Card in Ireland
A medical card gives you free GP visits, free prescriptions (€1.50/item cap), free hospital care and more. It is means-tested. Here are the 2026 income limits, who qualifies, and how to apply — including for immigrants and those over 70.
Medical Card Ireland 2026 — At a glance
- GP visits
- Free
- Prescriptions
- €1.50/item (max €15/mo)
- Means-tested
- Yes
- Taxable
- No
- Income limit (single <66)
- €184/week gross
- Income limit (couple <66)
- €266.50/week gross
- Over 70s
- €550/week single • €1,050/week couple
Key facts — Medical Card 2026
What does a medical card cover?
- GP visits — free, including out-of-hours GP services
- Prescription medicines — €1.50 per item, maximum €15 per month per family
- Hospital care — free as a public patient in public hospitals
- Dental — free dental examinations and certain treatments
- Optical — free sight tests and a contribution towards glasses/lenses
- Hearing — free hearing tests and aids under certain schemes
- Maternity and infant care — included
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy — subject to availability
2026 income limits — full table
| Household situation | Weekly gross income limit |
|---|---|
| Single person, under 66 | €184.00 |
| Single person, 66–69 | €201.50 |
| Single person, 70+ | €550.00 |
| Couple (married/cohabiting), under 66 | €266.50 |
| Couple, 66–69 | €298.00 |
| Couple, 70+ | €1,050.00 |
| Each child under 16 (add to above) | €57.00 |
| Each child over 16 (add to above) | €61.50 |
Medical card vs GP visit card
| Medical Card | GP Visit Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Free GP visits | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Free prescriptions | ✅ €1.50/item | ❌ Full cost |
| Free hospital care | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dental/optical/hearing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Income limit (single under 66) | €184/week | €418/week |
| Income limit (couple under 66) | €266.50/week | €607/week |
If your income is too high for a medical card but you still struggle with GP costs, apply for a GP visit card — the income limits are much higher.
Medical card for immigrants
You can apply for a medical card if you are ordinarily resident in Ireland — meaning you live here and intend to remain for at least one year. This includes:
- EU/EEA nationals exercising treaty rights (working, registered as job seekers, etc.)
- Non-EU nationals with Stamp 4, refugees, and those with subsidiary protection
- Non-EU nationals on Stamp 1 who are working in Ireland
You do not need to satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition for a medical card — you only need to be ordinarily resident, which is a lower threshold than the HRC for social welfare payments.
How to apply for a medical card
-
Apply online at medicalcard.ie
The HSE's online medical card application system at medicalcard.ie is the fastest way to apply. You will need a verified MyGovID account. The form takes about 20 minutes to complete.
-
Provide income details
You will need your PPS number, recent payslips or social welfare payment details, details of any other income, and information about allowable expenses (rent, childcare, travel).
-
Submit and receive your card
If approved, your medical card arrives by post within 10 working days. You can use it at any participating GP. If refused, you have the right to appeal.
Frequently asked questions
What does a medical card cover in Ireland?
Free GP visits, prescriptions at €1.50/item (max €15/month), free hospital care as a public patient, dental examinations, sight tests and hearing services.
What are the income limits for a medical card in 2026?
Single under 66: €184/week gross. Couple under 66: €266.50/week. Over 70s: €550/week (single) or €1,050/week (couple). Add €57/week per child under 16. Certain expenses can be deducted from gross income.
How do I apply for a medical card?
Apply online at medicalcard.ie or through MyWelfare.ie. You need your PPS number, income details, and information on any allowable expenses. Processing takes 10–15 working days.
Can immigrants get a medical card?
Yes — anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland (living here and intending to stay at least 1 year) can apply. You do not need to satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition. EU workers, Stamp 4 holders, refugees and Stamp 1 workers can all apply.
What is the difference between a medical card and a GP visit card?
Medical card covers GP, prescriptions, hospital, dental and optical. GP visit card covers only free GP visits. GP visit card has much higher income limits (€418/week for a single person).
Does everyone over 70 get a medical card?
Anyone over 70 can apply under the over-70s scheme, which has much higher limits (€550/week single, €1,050/week couple). In practice, most people over 70 qualify.
How long does a medical card last?
Usually 1–2 years, then renewed. People with chronic or permanent conditions may receive longer validity periods. Notify the HSE of any significant change in income during the validity period.
- Owning your home does not disqualify you — only your weekly income is assessed, not your assets.
- You do not need to be unemployed or on social welfare — low-income workers also qualify.
- Immigrants do not need to satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition — ordinary residence (living here and intending to stay at least 1 year) is enough.
- The €1.50 prescription charge is per item, not per visit — multiple items on one prescription each carry the charge (up to the €15/month family cap).
- If your gross income is above the limit, you may still qualify after deducting rent, childcare, travel to work and PRSI — always apply even if you think you are over the threshold.
- A medical card and a GP visit card are different cards — the GP visit card has higher income limits but covers only free GP visits.
Official sources
This page is reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated whenever income limits or eligibility rules change.
Related guides
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Medical Card income limits and eligibility rules.