Are you eligible for a free GP Visit Card

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, has announced a series of measures to make it easier for people to check their eligibility for a GP Visit Card and to apply for the support.

We know from the Healthy Ireland Survey that 1 in 4 people without a medical or GP visit card don't see a GP when they need to because of cost. Despite extending free GP care to an extra half a million people in 2023, only around 40% of those have successfully applied for their GP Visit Card.

The measures announced today are designed to help more people understand their eligibility and access the supports available to them.

Department of Health, Irish Government Economic & Evaluation Service research published by the Minister today, examined the experience of applying for a GP Visit Card and identified practical changes to make the system more accessible for the public. This innovative behavioural research applies recommended OECD best practice to Irish public service delivery.

In response, the HSE has today implemented a pre-application calculator that can be used to gauge eligibility for a GP Visit Card or a Medical Card.

The calculator will direct people to the most appropriate application route and make it easier to access supports they may be entitled to.

Commenting on the measures, Minister Carroll MacNeill said: “More than half a million people became eligible for a Free GP Visit Card when we expanded the scheme in 2023. However, many people may not realise they qualify. That is why we are launching a new calculator on MyMedicalCard.ie to allow people to quickly check whether they may qualify.

“Too many people may be missing out on a GP Visit Card simply because they are unsure if they qualify or because the application process can appear complicated. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to check their eligibility and apply for the supports they are entitled to.

“Improving access to healthcare is a key priority for me and a core objective of Sláintecare. By making services easier to understand and easier to access, we can help ensure that people receive the care and supports they need, when they need them.

“I welcome the implementation of the recommendations from this report by the HSE today. If you think you may qualify for a GP Visit Card, I encourage you to visit MyMedicalCard.ie, check your eligibility upfront and apply online today.”