Free medicines for 16 specific conditions — no means test
Long-Term Illness Scheme Ireland 2026
If you have one of 16 qualifying long-term conditions, the HSE provides your related medicines and appliances completely free of charge. No income test required.
Long-Term Illness Scheme 2026 — At a glance
- Qualifying conditions
- 16 specific conditions (incl. diabetes, MS)
- Cost of covered medicines
- Free — no charge, no cap needed
- Means test
- None — based on diagnosis only
- How to apply
- GP or specialist completes form — submits to HSE Local Health Office
The 16 qualifying conditions
| Condition | Notes |
|---|---|
| Acute Leukaemia | Active treatment period |
| Cerebral Palsy | All ages |
| Cystic Fibrosis | All ages |
| Diabetes Insipidus | All ages |
| Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2) | All ages |
| Epilepsy | All ages |
| Haemophilia | All ages |
| Hydrocephalus | All ages |
| Intellectual Disability | All ages |
| Mental Illness | Under 16 only |
| Multiple Sclerosis | All ages |
| Muscular Dystrophies | All ages |
| Parkinsonism | Under 66 only |
| Phenylketonuria (PKU) | All ages |
| Spina Bifida | All ages |
| Thalidomide-related conditions | People affected by Thalidomide |
How to apply
- Ask your GP or specialist to complete an LTI application form confirming your diagnosis
- Submit the form to your Local Health Office (HSE)
- Once approved, you receive an LTI card — present it at the pharmacy when collecting medicines for your condition
There is no means test and no annual renewal for most conditions — your LTI card remains valid as long as your condition continues.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Long-Term Illness Scheme?
A HSE scheme providing free medicines for people with 16 specific long-term conditions. No means test, no charge for covered medicines.
Which conditions qualify?
Diabetes, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy, Haemophilia, Muscular Dystrophies, Parkinsonism (under 66), Intellectual Disability, and 7 others.
Is there a means test?
No. Qualification is based on diagnosis only, not income.
Does it cover all my medicines?
Only medicines for your qualifying condition. Other prescriptions are covered by your normal arrangements (Medical Card or Drug Payment Scheme).
How do I apply?
Your GP or specialist completes an LTI application form and submits it to the HSE Local Health Office on your behalf.
- You do not need a Medical Card to qualify — the LTI is based solely on your diagnosis, not your income. Anyone with a qualifying condition can register.
- Only medicines related to your qualifying condition are free — prescriptions for unrelated illnesses are not covered and you pay the standard cost or DPS cap.
- Parkinsonism only qualifies for people under 66 — once you reach State Pension age, this condition no longer qualifies under LTI.
- Mental illness is only covered for under-16s — adults with mental health conditions do not qualify under this specific entry.
- The LTI card does not expire for most conditions — you do not need to renew it annually once approved.
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Long-Term Illness Scheme qualifying conditions and eligibility rules.