What each card covers
Service
Medical Card
GP Visit Card
GP visits
✓ Free
✓ Free
Prescriptions
✓ Free
✗ Full price
Public hospital care
✓ Free
✗ Normal charges
Dental (basic)
✓ Covered
✗ Not covered
Optical / aural
✓ Covered
✗ Not covered
Ambulance
✓ Free
✗ Normal charges
Income limits compared (under 66, single)
Medical card — €184/week net income
If your assessed weekly income is below this threshold, you qualify for the full medical card.
GP visit card — higher income limit
The GP visit card income limit is higher than the medical card limit. If your income is too high for a medical card but you still struggle with GP costs, check the GP visit card threshold — you may qualify.
Always apply for the medical card firstApply for the medical card. If you are over the income limit, the HSE will automatically assess you for a GP visit card and issue that if you qualify. You do not need to apply separately.
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