Medical Card

Medical Cards

Medical Cards entitle people on low incomes to free medical care and a range of medical services. Medical Cards are issued by the local Health Service Executive (HSE) office. You will qualify for a medical card if you pass a means test.

A medical card entitles you to:

• free GP (family doctor) services.

• prescribed drugs and medicines.

• in-patient public hospital services and out-patient services.

• certain medical appliances.

• dental, optical, and aural services.

• maternity and infant care services

If you are solely dependent on Social Welfare payments, and have no other assessable means, you will usually pass the means test for the medical card. Medical Cards can be issued on hardship grounds even if a person’s income exceeds the income guidelines. Each application is considered on its own merits, so if your income is more than the guidelines and you have specific hardship circumstances, you should still apply giving as much detail and evidence of your circumstances as possible.

Reasonable expenses incurred in respect of childcare costs and rent/mortgage payments will also be allowed. Weekly travel to work costs are also allowed.

If you are unemployed for 12 months or more you may keep your Medical Card for up to 3 years, in certain circumstances, when you get a job. If you take up full-time employment you will retain your medical card for 3 years from the date you start work. If you take up part-time employment the 3 year period starts from the date your income exceeds the relevant medical card guideline.

Income from Working Family Payment is not counted when working out if you are within the Medical Card income guidelines.

If you live in Ireland and work in Northern Ireland, you are entitled to a medical card regardless of your income.

All persons over 70 are entitled to a medical card subject to a means test. This does not cover their dependants.

People aged over 70 years with an income of between €550 per week (single) or €1,150 per week (couple) will no longer be entitled to a medical card but may qualify for a GP Visit Medical Card.

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