Medical cards
- Megan Campbell, Medical Social Worker
- 4 minute read
- Last updated: October 2023
A medical card entitles you to certain health services free of charge. The application for a medical card is means tested. If you don’t qualify for a medical card on the basis of your income, you may qualify for a GP visit card. In certain exceptional circumstances, you may be eligible for an emergency medical card. Your hospital stroke team will identify those circumstances and apply on your behalf.
Medical card
A medical card entitles you to certain health services free of charge. Anyone who is ordinarily resident in Ireland can apply for a medical card. “Ordinarily resident” means that you are living in Ireland or you intend to live in Ireland for at least one year.
The application for a medical card is means tested. Your weekly income, savings and investments will be assessed.
You are not automatically entitled to a medical card if you have had a stroke. If you are applying for a medical card after a stroke, you can request a supporting letter from your stroke team or GP (family doctor).
Discretionary medical card
If your income is above the limit for a medical card, you can apply for a discretionary medical card. A discretionary medical card may be approved if you would face financial hardship without one.
The application process for a discretionary medical card is the same as the regular one. However, you should include information about you/your family’s medical expenses. You can ask your stroke team or GP to provide a supporting medical letter to strengthen your application.
Applying for a medical card
Find out more about medical cards and how to apply for them.
Website: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards
Email: clientregistration@hse.ie
Phone: 01 864 7100
Address: National Medical Card Unit, PO Box 11745, Dublin 11
Emergency medical cards
In certain emergency situations, an emergency medical card may be applied for. Only a health care professional can apply for an emergency medical card for you. An emergency medical card would be appropriate if you:
- Have a terminal illness and have been told that you have 24 months or less to live
- Are receiving end-of-life treatment
- Require urgent ongoing care and urgently require a medical card for this reason
Other information
Getting help
How can I find out more about my medical card entitlements?
Consider contacting Citizens information on 0818 074 000 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm)
Frequently asked questions
There is an appeals process if you have been refused a medical card. You can make an appeal to the appeals office for your HSE area. You may be entitled to a GP visit card – you can apply for this if you have been refused a medical card based on income.
Only healthcare professionals can apply for emergency medical cards. Your stroke team, or another healthcare professional involved in your care, will identify if you may be eligible and apply on your behalf.
Public inpatient fees were abolished on the 17/04/2023. If you are staying in a public hospital, you will no longer be charged for your inpatient stay.
Top tips
Support letter
If you are applying for a medical card after a stroke, you can request a supporting letter from your stroke team or GP.
Megan Campbell | Medical Social Worker |
Apply as soon as you can
You are not automatically entitled to a medical card after a stroke. You will still need to complete the application, which is means tested.
Megan Campbell | Medical Social Worker |
GP refusals
If you are finding it difficult to get a GP to take you on as a medical card holder, you can request that the medical card unit allocate you a GP. You will need to include at least three GP refusals in your application.
Megan Campbell | Medical Social Worker |
