Government urging the public to check their eligibility for a GP Visit Card

The Government is urging people to check their eligibility and apply for a GP Visit Card, and is introducing further measures to make it easier to do so.

According to the Healthy Ireland Survey, one in four people who don't have a medical or GP visit card won't see a GP when they need to because of cost.

The Government says that only around 40% of those now eligible have actually applied for a GP Visit Card.

There is now a pre-application calculator that can be used to see if you are eligible for a GP Visit or Medical Card.

Minister for Health, Jennifer 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, i.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.”