GP Visit Card Ireland 2026 — Free GP visits, income limit €418/week (single)
GP Visit Card in Ireland 2026
The GP Visit Card gives you free visits to your GP without the standard €50–€70 consultation fee. Income limits are more than double those for a Medical Card, making it accessible to many working families. Children under 8 are automatically entitled — no application needed. Here are the 2026 income limits, how the assessment works, and how to apply.
GP Visit Card 2026 — Quick facts
- What it covers
- Free GP visits only
- Children under 8
- Automatic — no means test
- Income limit (single <66)
- €418/week net
- Income limit (couple <66)
- €607/week net
- PRSI required
- No — means-tested
- Apply at
- MyWelfare.ie — approx 15 working days
2026 income limits — full table
| Household situation | Weekly net income limit |
|---|---|
| Single person, under 66 | €418.00 |
| Single person, aged 66–69 | €457.00 |
| Single person, aged 70+ | Automatic entitlement — no income assessment |
| Couple (married/cohabiting), under 66 | €607.00 |
| Couple, aged 66–69 | €665.00 |
| Couple, aged 70+ | Automatic entitlement — no income assessment |
| Each child under 16 (add to above) | Approximately €57.00 |
Eligibility decision tree
If yes: automatic free GP visits — no application needed. Register with any GP accepting under-8 patients.
If yes: automatic GP Visit Card entitlement, no income check. Consider applying for a full Medical Card (same income limit).
Single under 66: €418/week. Couple under 66: €607/week. If close, calculate after deducting rent, childcare, travel to work.
Living in Ireland and intending to remain for at least one year. Lower threshold than HRC for social welfare.
Also check whether you qualify for a full Medical Card (lower income limit but much broader coverage).
GP Visit Card vs Medical Card vs Private patient
| Service | GP Visit Card | Medical Card | Private (no card) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GP visit | Free | Free | €50–€70 |
| Out-of-hours GP | Free | Free | €70–€100 |
| Prescriptions | Full cost (DPS €80/mo cap) | €1.50/item (€15/mo cap) | Full cost (DPS €80/mo cap) |
| Hospital A&E | €100 (if no referral) | Free | €100 (if no referral) |
| Hospital inpatient | €80/night (max €800/year) | Free | €80/night (max €800/year) |
| Dental examination | Full private cost | Free | Full private cost |
| Specialist referral | Full cost (or public waiting list) | Free (public waiting list) | Full private cost |
| Income limit (single <66) | €418/week net | €184/week gross | No limit |
If you qualify for a Medical Card income limit, always apply for the Medical Card first — it gives far wider coverage. If only the GP Visit Card limit applies, the GP saving alone is typically €500–€1,000/year per person.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Single worker, €2,000/month gross
Okonkwo earns €2,000/month gross (≈€462/week). After PRSI (≈€80/week) and income tax (≈€100/week), net income is approximately €282/week. He pays €600/month rent (≈€139/week).
Net income after PRSI/tax: €282/week
Rent deduction: €139/week
Assessed income: €143/week — well under €418/week limit
Result: Qualifies for GP Visit Card (and possibly Medical Card at €184 limit)
Example 2 — Couple, combined €3,500/month gross
Maria and Pedro earn a combined €3,500/month gross (≈€808/week). They have one child aged 6. Net after tax/PRSI: ≈€550/week. Rent: €1,200/month. Childcare: €400/month.
GP Visit Card income limit: €607 + €57 (child) = €664/week
Net income: €550/week — below limit even before deductions
Result: Qualifies for GP Visit Card
Example 3 — Part-time worker on social welfare top-up
Ana works part-time earning €200/week and receives a social welfare supplement of €50/week. Total weekly income: €250/week.
Total assessed income: €250/week — well under €418/week limit
Result: Qualifies for GP Visit Card (and likely Medical Card at €184 limit)
Example 4 — Higher-earner, above Medical Card but within GP Visit Card limit
John earns €3,000/month net (≈€692/week) as an IT contractor. He is single and rents for €1,500/month (≈€346/week).
Medical Card limit: €184/week — above limit
GP Visit Card limit: €418/week
Net income: €692 − €346 (rent) = €346/week assessed
Result: Below the €418/week GP Visit Card limit after rent deduction — qualifies for GP Visit Card only
How income is assessed
The GP Visit Card assessment uses net disposable income — your gross income minus allowable deductions:
- Income tax paid (not USC)
- PRSI contributions
- Rent or mortgage payments (principal and interest)
- Childcare costs (registered provider, children under 18)
- Travel to work costs (public transport or standard mileage)
- Pension contributions
- Maintenance payments made under a legal agreement
All household income is included: employment, self-employment, social welfare payments, rental income, and pension income. Income of a spouse or partner is included.
How to apply
- Gather documents
PPS number, recent payslips or P60, social welfare payment letters if applicable, bank statements, details of rent/mortgage, childcare receipts, and travel costs.
- Apply online at MyWelfare.ie
Fastest method. You need a verified MyGovID account. The form takes about 15 minutes. Include all household members and all allowable deductions.
- Or post form GVC1
Download GVC1 from gov.ie. Complete and post to: HSE PCRS, Town Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 XK72. Add copies of income evidence.
- Receive your card and register with a GP
If approved, your GP Visit Card arrives by post within 15 working days. Register with a participating GP. Confirm they accept GP Visit Cards before booking.
After approval
- GP Visit Card is usually valid for 1–2 years — renew when the renewal notice arrives
- Notify the HSE if your income rises significantly above the limit
- If your income drops to the Medical Card threshold, apply for a full Medical Card at any time
- Lost card: contact HSE Medical Card office for a replacement; your GP can see your entitlement online
Frequently asked questions
- The GP Visit Card does not cover prescriptions — you still pay the full cost (subject to the €80/month Drug Payment Scheme cap). Only a Medical Card covers prescriptions at €1.50/item.
- Children under 8 are entitled to free GP visits without any application — just register with a participating GP.
- Income is assessed as net disposable income after deductions, not gross salary. Rent, childcare and travel to work are all deductible. Many people assume they are over the limit when they are not.
- Not all GPs accept the GP Visit Card — always confirm before registering with a new practice.
- If you qualify for the Medical Card income threshold, apply for a Medical Card first — it gives far greater coverage than a GP Visit Card at the same cost to you.
- If your income drops significantly — due to job loss, illness or reduced hours — you may now qualify for a full Medical Card. Apply immediately rather than waiting for your GP Visit Card to expire.
This page reflects GP Visit Card income limits and eligibility for 2026. Income limit: €418/week (single under 66), €607/week (couple under 66). Children under 8 entitled automatically. Apply at MyWelfare.ie.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.