This does not apply if you already hold or are eligible for a medical card.

If you  have been, or intend to be, living in Ireland for at least one year and if you get Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance, at full or half-rate, you are eligible for a GP visit card

The Carer’s GP visit card is for the Carer, not for the person being cared for. The person being cared for may qualify for a GP visit card or a full medical card, but that is a separate issue. For instance, a child who is granted Domiciliary Care Allowance will  automatically qualify for a full medical card without a means test.

The Carer’s GP visit card is NOT means tested.

  A GP visit card:

○    Allows you to visit a participating family doctor (GP) for free.

○    It does not cover hospital charges.

○    Prescribed drugs are not free but may be partially or fully covered by the Drugs Payment Scheme.

○    The GP visit card does cover visits to GP out of hours services.

○    Blood tests to diagnose or monitor a condition are covered.

All children under the age of 6 can get a GP visit card.

The GP visit card is available to anyone who is in receipt of Carer’s benefit or Carer’s Allowance. It is also available to everyone aged over 70 without a means test.

For full details on rules re GP Visit Card link to  Citizens Information or the HSE