Weekly income limits — medical card
Household Type
Under 66
66–69
Single person living alone
€184
€201.50
Single person not living alone
€164
€173.50
Married / cohabiting couple
€266.50
€298
Each additional child (0–15)
+€38
+€38
Each additional child (16+)
+€39.50
+€39.50
Over 70? Different rules applyPeople aged 70 and over are assessed on gross income rather than net income, and the limits are higher. See the over-70s medical card guide for full details.
What can be deducted from your income
The means test doesn't just look at your gross income. Certain costs are deducted first — which means your assessed income may be lower than you expect, and you may qualify even if you initially think you earn too much.
Income tax, PRSI, and USCAll tax and social insurance deducted from your pay is excluded from the assessment.
Rent or mortgage paymentsReasonable rent or mortgage costs are deducted — up to set limits depending on household type.
Childcare costsIf you pay for childcare to allow you to work, those costs are deductible.
Travel to work costsReasonable travel costs to and from work can be deducted.
Maintenance paymentsLegally enforceable maintenance payments made to a former spouse or children can be deducted.
Just above the limit? Apply anyway
The HSE has discretion to grant a medical card to someone above the income limit if there are medical or financial hardship circumstances. If you have significant ongoing medical costs, include a letter from your GP explaining this in your application — it significantly improves your chances of a discretionary card.
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