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HSE encourages people to apply for the GP visit Card online

HSE Press Release

Monday, 13 November 2023

The HSE is encouraging all those who may be eligible to apply online via  hse.ie/gpvisitcards  following the announcement by Minster for Health Stephen Donnelly TD.

Encouraging those eligible to apply for a card Shaun Flanagan, HSE Assistant National Director, Primary Care Reimbursement Service said:   “The HSE would encourage all those who think they may be eligible to apply. It’s important to remember that you could quality even if the amount of money you earn is high and if your expenses are also high. Your application will be means tested and you will be asked to self-declare your income and allowable outgoings.

“When you apply, you should have you PPSN number, income and expense details, marital status, DOB (date of birth) and details on any children dependent on you to make it easier for you. Remember the quickest and easiest way to apply for a GP visit card is  online .

“GP visit cards allow the holders to access GP care without charges. If you have a GP visit card, you don't have to pay to see your doctor, but you will have to pay for medicines and other services.”

People can apply for a GP visit card if they are age 8 to 69, live in the Republic of Ireland or plan to live here for at least a year, and will be income tested. This means we look at a person’s income, personal circumstances and expenses to see if they qualify.

The HSE operates random and targeted control processes to ensure that only those who qualify receive means tested GP visit cards. You may be asked to produce supporting documentation to process your application.

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Entitlements for People with Asthma

There are 380,000 people with asthma in Ireland. This page provides information on a variety of services, benefits and allowances available for people with asthma in Ireland.

There are 380,000 people with asthma in Ireland. It is the most common chronic disease in Ireland. This document provides information on a variety of services, benefits and allowances available for people with asthma in Ireland. Most benefits are not offered automatically, it is up to the individual to apply for them.

For more detailed information on the services, benefits and allowances available, you can contact your local health care staff, local Citizens Information Centre ( www.citizensinformation.ie , 0761074000), local health centre ( www.hse.ie  1850 241 850), local social welfare office ( www.welfare.ie , 1890 662 244) and also revenue ( www.revenue.ie  ).

The Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI) is the national charity dedicated to empowering the 380,000 people with asthma in Ireland to take control of their asthma. ASI support people with asthma and their families by providing a wide range of high quality information and education services – all completely free of charge. We actively work with health care professionals, industry and government bodies to provide expert information and keep asthma high on the national agenda. For further information visit  www.asthma.ie  or call 01 8178886.

GP Visit Card

A GP Visit card entitles the holder to free GP services. It does not cover medications but may be covered by the Drugs Payment Scheme. GP Visit Cards are means tested. The same form is used to apply for a GP visit card as is used for a medical card.  Details of the means test can be obtained from the local Citizens Information Centre or local Health Centre.

If you are aged over 70, the GP visit card is available without an income test. If you are under 6, the GP visit cards for children under six is available without an income test also.(In addition to free GP visits, the GP visit card for children under 6 covers specific assessments at age 2 and 5 and care for children with asthma).

Children suffering with asthma deserve to have their asthma well managed so they can fully participate in physical activities and live a normal life. Asthma checks have been shown to improve control of asthma in children. Each asthma check details the severity of your child or children's asthma and involves a review of medications including ensuring that your child is using inhalers correctly. Your GP will advise you on how to improve your child's asthma, including advice on smoke free environment, flu vaccination to prevent influenza and education on what to do if your child's condition is getting worse. A written plan, tailored to your child, will be given to you to help you manage your child's asthma. Asthma checks have been shown to improve control of asthma in children.

How often does my child or children get an asthma check? Where there is a diagnosis of asthma on a child aged over 2 years, an initial asthma check will be carried out by your GP or Practice Nurse. A further check will be carried out within 3 months of the initial check and every year thereafter until your child or children are 6 years old.

Will I have to pay for medicines prescribed by my GP for my children under 6 years? The GP Visit Card for children under 6 does not cover the cost of medications prescribed by a GP or hospital charges. If your child has eligibility under the  Long Term Illness Scheme , they will receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their long term illness, free of charge. If you don't have a Medical Card you should apply for a  Drugs Payment Scheme Card . Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, an individual or family will pay a maximum of €124 each month for their approved drugs, medicines and certain appliances for use by them or their family, in that month. The monthly financial threshold is determined by the Minister for Health.

Asthma Society Supports

Asthma Devices

 There are lots of different types of inhalers and a wide range of other devices you can use to help control your asthma. Using your inhalers and asthma devices correctly is very important in making sure your asthma is controlled. If you use your inhalers or asthma devices incorrectly you may not get the full benefit of your medication and are less likely to control your asthma.

It is important to find the right inhaler device that suits you best. Your doctor can prescribe you a different device if you feel you are not able to use your current device correctly. Some of the different inhaler devices include: metered dose inhaler (MDI), diskus inhaler, turbo-inhaler, easi-breath inhaler and breezhaler. Talk to your GP or doctor about which inhaler you’re entitled to.

For more information log on to  www.asthma.ie  for free instructional videos on all inhaler devices

A Spacer is a plastic container that is used with metered dose inhaler (MDI) to inhale medication into your lungs. Using a Spacer makes taking your inhalers easier and more effective, and reduces the chance of side effects, such as oral thrush. Everyone should use a spacer with their inhaler, especially children. There are two different types of spacers, Volumatics and Aerochambers. Spacers are available on prescription. Different spacer devices may be available depending on your method of payment. For example, if you have a medical card, you may only be entitled to one generic brand.

All spacer devices are also available on the Asthma Society’s website, at a reduced cost to our members. Call us on 01 817 8886 or visit  www.asthma.ie  for further information.

Free Asthma Adviceline

The Asthma Society’s Asthma Adviceline is a call back service that is available free of charge to people with asthma and the parents/carers of young people with asthma. A panel of asthma nurse specialists’ provide personalized information, advice and support to callers from across Ireland.

To speak with a nurse, call 1800 44 54 64 Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 and our reception staff will arrange a call back at a time that suits you. The service operates during the day, at evening time and over weekends as necessary. There is also the option to email [email protected] or text ‘asthma’ to 086 0571838.

Adviceline nurses commonly provide information on the following: my asthma - the basics, knowing what to do in an asthma emergency, asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay-fever), asthma in schools, asthma and exercise, asthma and pregnancy and after GP/consultant visit

Information materials are posted or emailed to callers in advance of speaking with the nurse. Calls are booked at 30 minute intervals and callers can request additional call-backs if necessary.  The service and materials are provided in the English language.

Medical Card

A medical card entitles the holder to free GP services, approved prescription medication (*), maternity and infant care services, public health nursing, social work services, community care services, certain dental treatment, Ophthalmic services, Aural (hearing) services and prescribed medical appliances. (* you may have to pay a prescription charge of €2.50 per item up to a limit of €25 per family). Medical Cards are means tested.   Details of the means test can be obtained from the local Citizens Information Centre or local Health Centre.

Everybody is entitled to Outpatient services at a public hospital, and Inpatient service in a public ward in a public hospital. Medical cards maybe issued on hardship grounds even if a person’s income is above income guidelines. Contact your local HSE Office or Citizens Information Centre for advice, information and application form.

Drugs Payment Scheme

Individuals and families without Medical Cards, have to pay the first €144 (this may vary with budget each year) per calendar month of cost incurred on approved prescribed drugs, medicines and medical appliances including medical oxygen concentrators.  Family expenditure covers the nominated adult, his/her spouse/partner and children under 18 years or under 23 if in full-time education. A dependent with a physical or mental disability/illness living in the household who is unable to fully maintain himself/herself may be included in the family expenditure regardless of age.

Contact your local HSE Office, Pharmacy or Citizens Information Centre for advice, information and application form.

Remember: In addition, keep all you pharmacy receipts so as to claim tax relief under Medical Expenses (see Tax Relief).

 European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Irish residents are entitled to healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland if they become ill or injured while on a temporary stay in any of these countries. The affected person must have a valid EHIC card. Contact your local HSE Office or Citizens Information Centre for advice, information and application form. You can download your own EHIC app to your smartphone by visiting  http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559&langId=en

Public Hospital charges

Everybody in Ireland is entitled to a range of public health services either free of charge or at reduced cost. If a person attends a public hospital or stays overnight, he/she may be liable to hospital charges. Medical card holders and certain other groups do not have to pay these charges.

There are several types of hospital charges including Out-patient charges, Emergency Department charges, Daily in-patient charges and Long-term stay charges.

Out-patient and Emergency Department (A+E) Charges: If a person attends the out-patients department or emergency department (A+E) of a public hospital without being referred by a GP, he/she may be charged a standard fee (€100).  This charge is not applicable to those referred by a GP, Medical card holders, people admitted to hospital after attending the emergency department (they will be subject to in-patient/day service charges), people receiving treatment for prescribed infectious diseases or people who are entitled to hospital services because of EU Regulations. Return visits in relation to the same illness or accident are not charged.

Daily In-patient charges in public hospitals:  A person who stays overnight as a public patient in a public hospital is charged a fee per night up to €75 per day up to a maximum of €750 in any 12 consecutive months. If a person is admitted to hospital and under the care of a consultant and not required to stay overnight, a day charge may apply. In-patient or day service charges do not apply to the following groups Medical card holders, people receiving treatment for prescribed infectious diseases, people who are subject to "long stay" charges or people who are entitled to hospital services because of EU Regulations.

Long-stay patients: Charges may be imposed on long-stay or extended care patients in public hospital care, up to a weekly specified maximum. If you have been an in-patient for more than 30 days within the previous 12 months, you will be liable for these charges. This applies to everyone, including medical card holders. Regulations provide for different charging arrangements, depending on the level of nursing care being provided.

Supplementary Welfare Allowance

If a person is sick he/she may be eligible for Supplementary Welfare Allowance. This payment is means tested (it is not a taxable source of income). Also if a person has little or no income he/she may get a Supplementary Welfare Allowance. This is a basic weekly allowance for eligible people. The payment helps to tide people over emergencies and difficult times. It can also be paid if a person’s main social welfare payment does not cover ongoing needs. It may also be paid to help with certain special needs like rent or mortgage interest payments or for urgent/exceptional needs. If a person has claimed a social welfare benefit or pension but it has not yet been paid, and has no other income, he/she may qualify for the allowance while waiting for the payment. In this case, the money will have to be repaid once the benefit or pension comes through.

There are two different types of Supplementary Welfare Allowance payments:

Entitlement-based payments: These are means tested with other specified conditions. The payments include: Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance and weekly supplements or allowances to cover rent, mortgage, heat, diet and other ongoing needs

Discretionary-type payments: If it is not clear if an applicant is entitled to the payment, the Superintendent Community Welfare Officer and/or Community Welfare Officer can make a decision based on an applicant’s circumstances and using legal guidelines. These payments include: Exceptional Needs Payments e.g. Household goods, Personal costs, such as footwear and clothes, Funerals etc.

Contact your local Social Welfare Office, Health Centre for more information.

College Supports

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a college and university admissions scheme which in some cases offers places on reduced points to school leavers with Disabilities.  Having asthma qualifies for the scheme as it is listed as a long term condition. Therefore, we encourage students and parents to contact the Disability Service within their Third Level College if their asthma is effecting their studies. Once a student discloses their Disability and registers with the Disability Service within their college, depending on circumstances, students with significant ongoing illnesses such as asthma would have a meeting with a Disability Officer within their Third Level Institution.  The purpose of the meeting is to individually tailor reasonable accommodations. 

Under the scheme students with asthma would qualify for both academic and exam supports if they can illustrate their asthma has a profound effect on their educational attainment.

For example, if the student is tired due to medication and side effects of their illness a college may provide them with a LiveScribe pen, where they can record the lectures as they take notes (The Livescribe Echo smart pen allows you to record your lectures, capture your notes, replay them and allows you to send them from your desktop as a standard PDF or audio file.  You can record and playback everything you hear and write. For more information go to the Livescribe website and check out the support videos available on the YouTube channel.) 

To qualify students must meet all criteria for DARE entry. The form has 3 sections as follows:

Section A asks for information on your disability, the supports you received at second level and how your disability impacted on your education. It also asks if you wish to be considered for DARE. Section B is second, to be completed by your school. It provides information about your educational experience and assists the decision about the third-level supports you need. Section C is an evidence of Disability form which must be completed by the accepted Medical consultant or specialist for your particular disability. It provides verification of your disability and helps the decision about the third-level supports that you need.

The impact of the student's asthma on their school attendance and work will be identified. The personal statement of how the illness has affected the student will give perspective in the impact and reflecting the school's statement and the consultant's statement. A range of other supports are available and you should consult your college for further information on these.

Warmer Homes Scheme

People with asthma may be eligible for the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme (BEWH), administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The service involves the installation of standard energy efficiency measures appropriate to the eligible household subject to SEAI survey, budget allocation and available capacity. The service is provided at no cost to the household and the measures currently available under this scheme are: attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, low energy light bulbs, cavity wall insulation and energy advice.

To be eligible for the scheme, a home must reach certain criteria. The home must be an owner occupied non-Local Authority home and constructed before 2006. The owner must also be in receipt of one of the following: fuel allowance as part of the national fuel scheme, job seekers allowance for over six months and with children under 7 years of age, family income supplement or in receipt of the "one parent family payment.

For further information please contact the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme Helpdesk on Freephone 1800 250 204 or email  [email protected]

Tax Relief on Medical Expenses

A tax refund is available for money spent on certain medical expenses over and above a specified amount (as set down in the budget each year). These expenses can be incurred by the applicant or paid by the applicant with regard to family members of any age or any other people aged 65 or over who are incapacitated.

Examples of expenses for which the relief may be claimed include Doctors visits, Medication (including the initial amount not covered by the drugs payment card), supply and repair of medical or surgical appliances used on medical advice, hospital or nursing home costs (including travel). This list is not comprehensive. Keep receipts (for 6 years) and check with your local Revenue Office or Citizens Information Centre for advice and information.

Contact your local Revenue Office or Citizens Information Centre for advice and information.

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GP visit cards for children under 8

What is the gp visit card for children, what is covered by the gp visit card for children, can my child get a free gp visit card, how to apply for a gp visit card for children.

If your child is under the age of 8, you can get a GP visit card for them. With the GP visit card, your child can visit a participating GP (family doctor) for free and get free specific assessments (see ‘What is covered’ below).

Children aged 6 and 7 now qualify

The GP visit card for children was initially only available for children under the age of 6. On 11 August 2023, it was extended to children who are 6 and 7. If your child is 6 or 7, you can register online for a GP visit card for them.

If your child turned 6 after 1 July 2023, their GP visit card will be extended automatically by the HSE and you do not need to register again.

Medical cards

If your child already has a medical card , you do not need to register them for a GP visit card. If your family circumstances change and you are no longer eligible for medical cards, you can then register your child for a GP visit card for children under 8.

Free GP visits include visits to the doctor, home visits and out-of-hours urgent GP visits for your child.

Free medical assessments for children aged 2 and 5

If your child has a GP visit card, they can get free medical assessments when they are aged 2 and 5. These are preventive checks that include charting your child’s age, weight and height, and taking any appropriate follow-up actions.

Checks for children with asthma

If your child has asthma, they will get free asthma checks and their medication reviewed, to make sure that they are using their inhalers correctly. You will also get a written plan to help you manage your child’s asthma.

Children over 2 will get their first free asthma check when they are diagnosed. The second check is arranged 3 months after their first check.

Your child’s asthma will be checked for free every year until they are 8.

What is not covered by the GP visit card for children under 8?

The GP visit card does not cover medicines or hospital care .

However, all in-patient hospital services are free for children under 16 in all public hospitals. Read more about hospital charges for children.

If you have a Drugs Payment Scheme card , you and your family only have to pay a maximum of €80 each month for drugs and medicines. This includes the medicines your child may be prescribed.

Your child can get a free GP visit card if they are:

• Aged under 8 years
• Ordinarily resident in Ireland

‘Ordinarily resident’ means your child currently lives in Ireland and intends to live in Ireland for at least one year.

When does the GP visit card expire for children?

Your child is included in the scheme until the end of the month of their 8th birthday. For example, if your child turns 8 in July, their card will expire on 31 July. The card shows the date that it is valid until.

If you have any questions before registering, you can phone Lo-call 0818 22 44 78.

To register, you will need:

• Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number
• The child's PPS number (see below)
• Your choice of participating GP

Your child’s PPS number

You are sent your child’s PPS number after registering their birth. If you do not have a PPS number for your child, contact Client Identity Services in the Department of Social Protection on Lo-call 0818 927 999, or email [email protected] .

If you do not have a PPS number and your baby is under 2 months of age, you can register and leave the PPS number blank and the HSE will write to you separately to get it.

Choosing your family doctor (GP)

Check if your GP is taking part in the scheme (pdf) . You may also need to check if your chosen GP is accepting new patients. If they are not, you must pick another GP. You can also check if they are accepting online applications on that list.

Apply by post or email

If a GP does not accept online registrations, or if you want to post or email the form, you can download the GP Visit Card for under 8s Registration Form (pdf) bring it to the GP to sign, and then email it to [email protected] or post it to:

PO Box 12629 Dublin 11

Register online

Before you register online, check this list to see if your chosen GP accepts online registrations . Then you can apply on the HSE website .

After you apply, you will get an email with a copy of your child’s registration details attached.

Print this email attachment, bring it to your GP to sign and then post it to:

Health Service Executive

PO Box 11745 Dublin 11 D11 XKF3

Lost GP visit card

If you have lost your card you can request a replacement by phoning Lo-call 0818 22 44 78 or emailing [email protected] . Include your child’s name, address and date of birth.

Related documents

• Examples of calculating eligibility for GP visit card for under 70s Case study showing how to calculate your income and allowable expenses for a GP visit card if you are aged under 70. 2647.6575
• Under 70s means test for medical card and GP visit card How your income is assessed for the medical card and GP visit card if you are under 70 years of age. 2585.875
• GP visit cards Unless you have a medical card or GP visit card, visits to family doctors are not free. What is a GP visit card and how can you apply? 2497.1853

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Services for medical card and GP visit card holders

Introduction, free services with a medical card or gp visit card, medical services not covered, other services covered by a medical card, more information.

With a medical card , you can get many public services for free. With a GP visit card , you can get free GP visits.

If you have a medical card or GP visit card, your doctor must treat you in the same way they treat private patients. GPs have a contract with the HSE listing the services they must provide for medical card and GP visit card holders. This means that for example, surgery times and access to home visits must be the same for all patients.

This service is paid for by the Health Service Executive (HSE) through the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS).

Emergency and out-of-hours services for medical and GP visit card holders

If you have a medical card, your GP must provide or arrange for emergency services for you and their other medical card patients. You can read more about charges for going to the emergency department .

Your GP may have a rota system with other doctors to provide cross-cover for out-of-hours situations for medical card and GP visit card holders.

Even if you have a medical card or GP visit card, your GP does not have to provide the following services for free:

• Eye tests for a driving licence
• Reports for life assurance
• Medical certificates for absence from work

If you need a medical report to apply for a social welfare payment, the Department of Social Protection may cover the fee.

If you are a medical card holder, you pay a reduced rate of the Universal Social Charge on your income, if it is over the exemption limit.

In Budget 2024, the Government announced the reduced rate of Universal Social Charge (USC) for medical card holders is being extended until 31 December 2025. Reduced rates of USC apply to people who have a full medical card and an income of €60,000 or less a year.

Education and school services

If you have a medical card, you may also be exempt from paying school transport charges and state exam fees in publicly funded second-level schools. You may also get financial help with buying school books in certain schools .

You can read more information about medical cards and GP visit cards . Check if you are eligible for a medical card or GP visit card with the means tests for people aged under 70 and the means test for people aged over 70 .

You can also read about the GP visit card for children aged under 8 and prescription charges for medical card holders .

You can find more information on the medical card and GP visit card on the HSE website. You can find further detail in the HSE Assessment Guidelines for medical cards and GP visit cards .

Related documents

• Under 70s means test for medical card and GP visit card How your income is assessed for the medical card and GP visit card if you are under 70 years of age. 3119.499
• Prescription charges for medical card holders People with medical cards pay a charge for medicines that they get on prescription from pharmacies. 3092.5107
• GP visit cards Unless you have a medical card or GP visit card, visits to family doctors are not free. What is a GP visit card and how can you apply? 2629.1794

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Minister for Health Encourages People to Apply for GP Visit Cards

• Nov 14, 2023
• by Ryan Harmon
• Comments Off on Minister for Health Encourages People to Apply for GP Visit Cards

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced that an additional 215,000 people are now eligible for free GP Visit Cards.

This is the third expansion of the scheme this year which has made free GP care available to an estimated additional 500,000 people in Ireland.

It follows the roll-out of free GP Visit Cards to 78,000 children aged 6 and 7 in August, and changes to the income threshold which made an additional 215,000 people eligible in September.

Minister Donnelly said, “I am delighted that the three expansions of the GP Visit Card scheme are now complete and that the income threshold for cards has increased by over one third. This expansion is a significant step towards removing cost as barrier to healthcare and is particularly significant in the current cost of living crisis.”

“You may think you do not qualify but the application process factors in household expenses such as mortgage or rent and childcare, along with income. With the increases in income threshold, now close to half of households in Ireland could be eligible for free GP care. The HSE have put in place a simplified online application process which is easier and faster to complete. I encourage everyone to go online, find out more and apply at www.hse.ie/GPVisitCards.”

The expansion of the scheme has been facilitated by an agreement between the Department of Health , the Health Service Executive , and the Irish Medical Organisation which put in place a series of financial supports for GPs.

Minister Donnelly said, “as we implement the final phase of this expansion, I’m proud to say that close to 850,000 individuals are now eligible for free GP care, including all children up to their 8th birthday and all those over 70. This is in addition to Medical Card holders who also have access to free GP care. We’re moving closer to universal healthcare, and this progress is underpinned by constructive collaboration with stakeholders in order that services can meet demand.”

GP visit cards for people aged between 8 and 69 are means-tested. The expansion of the scheme has increased the qualifying financial threshold for the following groups:

• The weekly income threshold for a single person living alone increased from €304 to €418.
• The weekly income threshold for a single person living with family increased from €271 to €373.
• The weekly income threshold for a couple without dependents increased from €441 to €607.
• The weekly income threshold for a couple with dependent(s) also increased from €441 to €607, plus an allowance for dependents.
• The weekly income threshold for a one parent family, increased from €441 to €607, plus an allowance for dependents.
• Department of Health
• GP Visit Cards
• Health Service Executive

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Process for obtaining free GP visit cards needs to be simplified, says Donnelly

Less than 10 per cent of 400,000 newly eligible people have availed of scheme.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said consultants and management at University Hospital Limerick had a role to play in improving the situation there. Photograph: Fintan Clarke/Coalesce

The extended GP card scheme should be made easier to avail of, the Minister for Health has said at the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) conference in Killarney.

Stephen Donnelly said take-up of the free GP visit cards had been “poor”, but that action was being taken to improve the complicated application system.

The scheme was expanded last year when it was intended an additional 430,000 people would be able to see a doctor for free, but take-up has been less than 10 per cent, with doctors reporting patients who are either unaware of their entitlement or deterred by the complexity involved in obtaining one.

“There hasn’t been enough of a campaign to let patients know it’s available,” says Dr Madeleine Ní Dhálaigh, a member of the IMO’s GP committee who is based in Castlerea, Co Roscommon.

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“I regularly have individuals or young families in who I feel would fall under the threshold and mention it to them but they don’t know anything about it.

“The ones that do say the process of making the application on the website is quite complicated, because it takes into account both income and expenditure income. It could be a very valuable card for young families to have but I think that’s why the take-up has been so bad.”

On Friday, Mr Donnelly acknowledged the issue, telling IMO members take up had been “poor” but insisting the Health Service Executive would act to improve the situation.

“There’s been a very high uptake by parents for the seven- and eight-year-olds,” he said. But the uptake for people up to the median income has been very low.

“I’ve asked the HSE to review it urgently and to come back to me. My sense is it’s because it’s just too complex. I think the application forms are too complex. I think asking people to try and estimate whether they are at the median income ... I think it just needs to be simplified because fully free access to GP care will make a big, big difference to over 400,000 people in the country who have yet to take it up.

“I think we need more awareness. We probably need a broader communications plan. But ultimately, my sense is we need to make it simpler. That can be addressed and has to be addressed in the short term.”

Asked about characterisation by the Mid-West Hospital Campaign of his interventions at University Hospital Limerick as “sticking plasters”, Mr Donnelly reiterated that the Government had provided substantial backing for the facility, including 1,100 additional healthcare staff during the lifetime of this Government. He said the hospital’s consultants, as its senior clinical leadership, had a key role to play now in improving patient flow.

The Minister said, meanwhile, that 49.1 per cent of the country’s 4,300 hospital consultants have now signed the public-only contract.

Asked about suggestions that some physician associates might have been asked to fill gaps in doctors’ rosters in Irish hospitals on occasion, Mr Donnelly said he was unaware of any specific cases and that anyone who was should highlight the issue.

A significant number of instances of the practice have been reported in the UK.

“We cannot have any healthcare professional who is not a doctor asked to work as a doctor,” he said. “I think there were cases cited in the UK but everyone needs to work within their licence and their training.”

IMO president Dr Denis McCauley said the organisation was concerned that physician associates, a new grade of healthcare professional of whom there are only a very small number at present in Ireland, might be hired by hospitals “to mask the shortage of doctors”. The role, the IMO has said, needs to be “carefully regulated”.

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A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply.

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC instead.

The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

We also recommend you check FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK for the country you're visiting.

You can apply for a UK GHIC if you're a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply.

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Applying for family members

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If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC rather than a UK GHIC. A UK EHIC provides cover for some countries that are not currently covered by the UK GHIC (these are Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). Like the UK GHIC, it's free and lasts up to 5 years. You can find out if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement on GOV.UK.

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Whether treatment is medically necessary is decided by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting.

Not all state healthcare is free outside of the UK. You may have to pay for treatment that you would get for free on the NHS, if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you're visiting.

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Check the relevant country guide on GOV.UK for information on how to access treatment in the country you're visiting

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We advise that you have a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) and private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

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You can use a UK GHIC in Switzerland if you're one of the following:

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The UK government is negotiating with other countries to expand the use of the UK GHIC, so always check coverage before you travel.

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Visiting Norway

You can use a UK passport to get medically necessary healthcare in Norway if you're a UK resident.

Visiting Montenegro

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If you're a UK national, your UK passport will give you access to emergency healthcare in Montenegro.

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You'll have to pay for treatment unless the UK has a healthcare agreement with that country .

Check if you're eligible for a UK GHIC

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There is information about what "ordinarily resident" means on GOV.UK

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• you're living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and have been since before 1 January 2021 with a registered S1, E121, E106 or E109 form issued by the UK
• you're living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein since before 1 January 2021 with an A1 issued by the UK
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This is in addition to the information set out in "How to apply" above.

Students studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland applying for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC

If you normally live in the UK and have been studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021, you may be eligible for a new UK Student EHIC for use in the EU and your country of study.

You will not be able to use this card for treatment in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein unless one of these countries is your country of study.

If you started your course after 1 January 2021, or you're planning to study in an EU country, you'll need to apply for a UK Student GHIC. If you're studying in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can also apply for a UK GHIC but it will not cover you for treatment in those countries, even if you are studying there.

You can use the UK Student GHIC in the EU, Switzerland and your country of study, but not yet in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

Using a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) when abroad

You should take your UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) with you when you travel abroad. If you need medically necessary treatment, you'll need to present the card to the hospital (or other service provider) that is treating you – make sure that you are being treated at a public health provider and not a private one. Keep all receipts and paperwork.

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If you don't have your card with you

If you need emergency treatment when you're in another country and do not have your UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) with you, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). A PRC gives you the same level of cover as a UK GHIC or UK EHIC.

A PRC also covers you if you've applied for a UK GHIC or UK EHIC and it has not arrived yet.

Find out more about PRCs and how to apply for one

You'll need to pay in full for treatment if you do not have a UK GHIC, UK EHIC or PRC. You should ask for a copy of your invoice and obtain a receipt.

How to claim a refund

To claim a refund for healthcare covered by your UK GHIC or UK EHIC, you'll need to download and fill in a refund claim form and send it to NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. You should include receipts and any supporting documents with your claim form.

Find out how to claim a refund for healthcare covered by your UK GHIC or UK EHIC

Incorrect charges for treatment

If you think you've been incorrectly charged for medical treatment, contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services .

Keep all documents relating to your treatment. You may need to provide more information to confirm your eligibility and the cost of the treatment you had. This could include:

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NHS Overseas Healthcare Services will look at your claim to decide whether you were charged when you should have been covered. If they determine that your treatment should have been covered by the UK GHIC or UK EHIC, they'll reimburse you or your insurer for the costs of treatment that are covered by your card.

If you suspect GHIC or EHIC fraud

If you suspect that somebody has fraudulently applied for or used a UK GHIC or UK EHIC they are not entitled to, you can report this to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority .

Alternatively, you can email your concern to us at [email protected] .

Page last reviewed: 12 December 2023 Next review due: 12 December 2026