Medical Cards allow people to access a Family Doctor or GP services, community health services, dental services, hospital care and a range of other benefits free of charge. Click here for a range of Questions and Answers on Medical Cards and how they work.
How to apply
There are a number of ways to apply for your medical card
Apply online
The quickest way to apply for a medical card is online, on www.medicalcard.ie. MedicalCard.ie is a HSE website dedicated to providing you with online services to assist you with your medical card. On MedicalCard.ie you can now use the following services,
1) Submit an online application, which is a faster route to your medical card than the manual paper forms. If your application is successful you will have your medical card within 15 days.
2) Check the current progress of your medical card application if this has been submitted to the central processing office in Finglas.
3) Check the current status of your medical card.
4) Submit a query to the central processing office.
Make sure you have all the information you need to hand such as you PPS number and those of your dependents, a recent payslip, details of your income and outgoings on tax, PRSI, rent and mortgage etc.
Apply by post
Click here to download a medical card application form . Forms are also available from your Local Health Office
Completed forms should be sent to
Client Registration Unit,
P.O. Box 11745,
Finglas,
Dublin 11.
If you have any questions before you send your application lo-call 1890 252 919 or contact your local health office.
What next?
If you would like to apply for a Medical Card, the following options will be useful.
Q & A:
A detailed page with a range of Questions and Answers on Medical Cards and how they work
Forms and Guidelines:
This section provides you with the Medical Card Application Forms in Irish and English. It outlines the income limits for applicants. It also includes the Assessment Guidelines followed by HSE staff when assessing applications.
Over 70s
Click here for information on medical cards for people aged 70 years and over.
Changes to medical card applications
From 1st July 2011 all new Medical Card applications and reviews will be dealt with by the central office at
Client Registration Unit,
P.O. Box 11745,
Finglas,
Dublin 11.
Prescription charges for medical card holders
From 1 October 2010 medical card holders pay 50 cent charge per prescription item, subject to a monthly ceiling of €10 per family.
Last updated on: 14 / 09 / 2011