How to apply for a medical card

Who this is for

• Anyone who lives in the Republic of Ireland and plans to live here for at least a year.^[1][11]
• Households whose income after tax, PRSI and USC, less allowable expenses, is under the HSE limit, and anyone whose only income is a social welfare or HSE payment.^[4][12]
• People in an automatic category (for example in foster care, living in direct provision, or a child diagnosed with cancer in the last five years): no financial assessment, but you still have to apply.^[1]

Before you start

• PPS numbers and dates of birth for everyone on the application.^[2]
• Income and expense documents as photos, scans or photocopies. They must show your name and address, and proof of expenses must be dated within the last three months.^[4]
• The name of the GP you want. Citizens Information says the GP you choose is usually within seven miles of your home; if three GPs at three different clinics decline you, the HSE assigns one.^[2][11]
• For the online route, an account on mymedicalcard.ie.^[8][11]

Step by step

1. 1

   Pick the route that fits you

   Most people under 70 apply through the standard assessment of income and expenses. At 70 or over you use form MC1(a) or the same online service, and the test is on gross income.^[9][11] There are separate forms for children with cancer (MC1(b)) and for emergency end-of-life or terminal-illness cards (MC1e and MC1t).^[11] If your only household income is a social welfare or HSE payment, you get a medical card even if it is above the limit for your situation.^[12]
2. 2

   Apply online at mymedicalcard.ie

   The HSE calls this the quickest way to get a medical card or GP visit card. You enter PPS numbers, dates of birth, and income and expense details for everyone included, and upload photos, scans or copies of the documents.^[2][11] The online process starts with a quick assessment of your finances, based on basic income and expense figures, that tells you whether you might qualify; the full assessment comes later once your documents are uploaded.^[5]
3. 3

   Or apply on paper

   Download form MC1 (an Irish-language version is also published) or phone 0818 22 44 78 to order one; the HSE asks you to call with any questions before filling it in.^[2] Email it with scans or photos of all supporting documents to pcrs.applications@hse.ie, or post it with copies to Eligibility Unit, PO Box 11745, Dublin 11.^[2] Over-70s send form MC1(a) to the same email address or to National Medical Card Unit, medical card for over 70s, PO Box 12629, Dublin 11.^[9]
4. 4

   Name your GP

   If you apply online the HSE contacts your preferred GP and asks them to accept you on their list. On a paper form, if you have had a medical or GP visit card in the last six months you can say you are happy to stay with your current GP.^[2] If three GPs have declined to accept you, contact the HSE and it will assign a GP; Citizens Information says to give the three names and clinics on the form.^[2][11] The HSE publishes the list of GPs holding medical card contracts.^[2]
5. 5

   Track the application and answer any letter

   You get a reference number at the end of an online application; with a paper application it comes by text if you gave a mobile number, otherwise by post. Enter it on mymedicalcard.ie to check the status.^[6] Completed applications are processed within 15 days; if anything is missing the HSE writes to you, which delays the decision.^[6]
6. 6

   If you are refused: reassessment first, then appeal

   The refusal letter includes a statement of the means assessment, the outcome of any discretionary consideration, and how to ask for a reassessment or appeal.^[7] Ask for a reassessment if the statement is wrong or you have information that was not in the original application; medical reports from your GP or consultant go to a medical officer, who can grant a card on a discretionary basis.^[7] An appeal goes to the National Appeals Office, An Clochar, Ballyshannon Health Campus, College Street, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal (nationalappeals@hse.ie) and is handled by staff not involved in the original decision. The HSE advises pursuing reassessment first: asking for both at once delays the outcome.^[7] Anyone not eligible for a medical card is automatically assessed for a GP visit card.^[1]

Documents the HSE lists

Income limits the HSE publishes

Reviews and renewal

Cards are issued for a period and carry a “Valid to” date. The HSE writes to you when it needs to review your eligibility before renewing, so it needs your current address.^[13] The review letter may carry a PIN inviting you to complete it online; if you prefer paper, complete form MC1 again, and over-70s get a form with their review notice.^[11][13] If you do not return the information, the card may not be re-issued.^[11] Anyone no longer eligible for a medical card is assessed for a GP visit card and told the outcome in writing.^[13]

Changes that can bring you within the scheme include a diagnosis of a serious condition, getting married, separated, divorced or widowed, a child no longer living with you, having a child under six, or turning 70; the HSE asks people refused before to apply again.^[8] Citizens Information says that after a year or more on a social welfare payment you may be able to keep the card for up to three years when you return to work, by making a new application on that basis.^[11]

Changing your address, GP or household

Address: update it in your mymedicalcard.ie account, or email nmcu.cod@hse.ie or write to Medical card/GP visit card scheme, Eligibility Unit, PO Box 11745, Dublin 11, giving the name and PPS number of everyone on the card and of any dependants with their own cards at your address, plus a copy of a utility bill, rent agreement, bank statement or Government Department letter. The HSE page says the document should be dated within 12 months; Citizens Information says within the last three months.^[8][11]

GP: download the change of GP form, have the new GP sign it, and email it to nmcu.cod@hse.ie or post it to the Eligibility Unit.^[8] A new child: phone 0818 22 44 78 or email nmcu.cod@hse.ie with the child’s name, date of birth and PPS number, then send copies (never originals) of the birth certificate and PPS number.^[8] Lost or stolen card: contact the HSE with your name, address, PPS number and GP’s name and it will give you your card details. Plastic card production is temporarily disrupted; the card details remain valid and are sent by letter.^[14]

Aged 16 to 25

Citizens Information says that if you are 16 to 25 and living with your parents, the usual means test applies once your income is over €164 a week; if you are not living with a parent and earn more than €184 a week you complete your own application. Anyone included on a family card must apply for their own card at 16.^[11]

What happens next

Expect a decision on a complete application within 15 days, a letter if anything is missing, and a GP visit card assessment if the medical card is refused.^[6][1] While plastic cards are paused, the HSE sends your card details by letter and you can use that letter with your GP and pharmacy.^[14]

If something goes wrong

Eligibility Unit, PO Box 11745, Dublin 11. Phone 0818 22 44 78 or 01 864 7100. Email clientregistration@hse.ie.^[10] Complaints about the service, as distinct from appeals against a decision, go to the Complaints Coordinator, Primary Care Reimbursement Service, North Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, D11 XKF3, 01 864 7100 (ext 7108), pcrs.complaints@hse.ie.^[7]

FairCare cannot see or check an application. The HSE decides every case; this guide describes only the published process and limits.

Common questions

How long does it take?

The HSE’s after-you-apply page says completed applications are processed within 15 days; its apply page says 15 working days. Either way, a missing document adds the time it takes the HSE to write to you and for you to reply.

Do I need photo ID?

The HSE’s list of documents asks for PPS numbers, dates of birth and income and expense evidence. No photo ID or separate proof of address appears on the pages we read.

What if my income is just over the limit?

You are automatically assessed for a GP visit card, which has higher income limits. The HSE can also consider a discretionary medical card or GP visit card if medical bills would cause you financial hardship.

Does a medical card cost anything?

There is no application fee on the HSE pages. Medical card holders under 70 pay a prescription charge of €1.50 per item, capped at €15 a month per person or family; at 70 or over it is €1 per item, capped at €10.