If you’re a GMS patient at Annagh Medical Centre, your medical card covers a range of services here at no cost to you. This section answers the questions we get asked most often.

What does my medical card cover at the GP?
A medical card gives you free access to GP services, community health services, prescription medicines, and hospital care. At Annagh Medical Centre, your consultations and routine referrals are covered. Blood tests that form part of the Chronic Disease Management programme are also covered, but charges may apply for other blood tests depending on the clinical reason.

What’s the difference between a medical card and a GP visit card?
They’re not the same thing, and it’s worth knowing which one you have.
A full medical card covers GP visits, prescribed medicines, hospital care, and more — all free of charge.
A GP visit card covers the cost of seeing your GP, but doesn’t extend to the same range of services as a full medical card. The income thresholds to qualify for a GP visit card are higher than those for a medical card, so some people who don’t qualify for a full card can still get free GP visits.
If you’re not sure which card you hold, check the front of the card — it will state which type it is.

What about prescription charges?
Medical card holders do pay a small charge per item dispensed at the pharmacy. Prescriptions aren’t fully free, so it’s worth being aware of this. Your pharmacist can tell you the current charge per item. There is a monthly ceiling on these charges, so costs are capped regardless of how many items you collect.

I’m over 70. What am I entitled to?
Everyone over 70 living in Ireland is automatically entitled to a GP visit card, regardless of income. You don’t need to pass a means test to get one. If you’re over 70 and don’t currently have a GP visit card, you can register online at hse.ie or call the HSE on 0818 22 44 78.

My child is under 8. Are they entitled to free GP visits?
Yes. Children under 8 are entitled to a free GP visit card, regardless of household income. If your child isn’t already registered, you can do so online at hse.ie.

My card is due for renewal. What do I do?
Medical cards and GP visit cards have an expiry date printed on the front. It’s worth checking yours regularly. If your card has expired or is close to expiry, you can renew it online at medicalcard.ie or by calling the HSE on 0818 22 44 78. Don’t wait until it has lapsed — an expired card means you may be charged for services in the meantime.

I don’t qualify on income grounds. Is there any other way to get a card?
Possibly, yes. The HSE can grant a discretionary medical card where a person’s financial circumstances would cause undue hardship without one. This applies even where your income is above the normal qualifying threshold. It’s most relevant for people with significant ongoing medical costs or complex health needs. Speak to your GP or contact the HSE directly to discuss your circumstances.

I have a query about my medical card eligibility.
To check your eligibility or apply for a medical card or GP visit card, visit medicalcard.ie. When you apply, your entitlement to both types of card is assessed at the same time. You can also call the HSE directly on 0818 22 44 78.