Medical Supports for Families of Children with Additional Needs
A guide to the grants, allowances and payments available to families in Ireland — written in plain language. Covering the Medical Card, GP Visit Card, Drugs Payment Scheme and Long Term Illness Scheme
Medical Card
Free GP visits, hospital care and prescribed medicines for eligible individuals and families.
✅ Means tested for most applicants
✅ Children under 8 get free GP care without a medical card
✅ Discretionary medical cards available for those with significant medical needs
✅ Child DCA recipients are automatically entitled to a medical card, regardless of income.
✅ Covers GP, hospital, dental, optical and prescribed medicines
The Medical Card provides free access to GP services, public hospital care, prescribed medicines, dental and optical services. Eligibility is generally means tested based on household income. A Discretionary Medical Card may be available for people who do not meet the income threshold but have significant ongoing medical costs or needs. Applications for discretionary cards are assessed individually by the HSE. Children who receive DCA are automatically entitled to a medical card, regardless of income.
Information on this page is updated regularly but we recommend always checking for the most current guidance.
GP Visit Card and Drugs Payment Scheme
Reduced cost GP visits and a monthly cap on prescription costs for families who don't qualify for a full Medical Card.
✅ GP Visit Card — free GP visits, means tested
✅ Drugs Payment Scheme — monthly cap of €80 on prescription costs per family
✅ Both available without a full Medical Card
✅ Apply through your GP or HSE
The GP Visit Card covers the cost of GP visits for people who earn above the Medical Card threshold but still need financial support with GP costs. It is means tested. The Drugs Payment Scheme caps the amount a family pays for approved prescribed medicines each month. In 2025 the cap is €80 per month per family or individual. Any costs above this are covered by the HSE. You do not need a Medical Card to use this scheme — register at your pharmacy.
Information on this page is updated regularly but we recommend always checking for the most current guidance.
Long Term Illness Scheme
Free prescribed medicines for people with specific long term conditions — regardless of income.
✅ Not means tested
✅ Covers specific conditions including epilepsy, diabetes, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, phenylketonuria, multiple sclerosis and more
✅ Medicines related to the condition are provided free of charge
✅ Apply through your GP and HSE
The Long Term Illness Scheme provides free medicines and medical appliances to people with specific conditions, regardless of income or medical card status. It covers medicines directly related to the listed condition only. Conditions covered include epilepsy, diabetes, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, mental illness, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, haemophilia and hydrocephalus among others. To apply, speak to your GP who will complete the relevant form and submit it to the HSE. Once registered, your pharmacy will dispense related medicines at no cost to you.
Payment rates and eligibility criteria are reviewed annually. Always check gov.ie and citizensinformation.ie for the most current information.