GP Visit Card Revised Income Limits
Revised Income Limits from 13th November 2023:
The weekly GP Visit Card revised income limits increased on 11 September 2023 and again on 13 November 2023. If you were not eligible in the past, you may be eligible now.
| Category | From 13 November 2023 |
| Single person living alone | €418 |
| Single person living with family | €373 |
| Married or cohabiting couple (or lone parent with dependent children) | €607 |
| Allowance for each of first 2 children aged under 16 | €57 |
| Allowance for 3rd and for each subsequent child under 16 | €61.50 |
| Allowance for each of first 2 children aged over 16 (with no income) | €58.50 |
| Allowance for 3rd and for each subsequent child over 16 (with no income) | €64 |
| Each dependant over 16 years in full-time non-grant aided third-level education | €117 |
What is a GP visit card?
A GP visit card is a card that gives you free visits to a participating family doctor (GP). If you are not eligible for a medical card, you may be eligible for a GP visit card.
What does a GP visit card cover?
Your GP visit card covers the cost of visits to your GP and visits to GP out-of-hours services. Blood tests to diagnose or monitor a condition are covered.
The GP visit card does not cover hospital charges. Prescribed drugs are not free but may be covered by the Drugs Payment Scheme.
Who can get a GP visit card?
You must be ordinarily resident in Ireland to apply for a GP visit card. This means that you are living in Ireland and intend to live here for at least one year.
You will qualify for a GP visit card with no means test if you are:
- Aged under 8 (see GP visit cards for children)
- Aged over 70
- Getting Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance, at full or half-rate
If you are aged under 70, your income is assessed by the HSE to see whether you qualify for a GP visit card. See below for information about the income limits.
Income limits for people aged under 70
Your income is assessed by the HSE using the medical card means test for people aged under 70. However, the income limits for the GP visit card are higher than the limits for the medical card.
Weekly income limits are based on your net income. This is your income after tax, PRSI and universal social charge (USC) have been deducted. There are extra allowances for children.
If your income is above the weekly income limit, you may still qualify for a GP visit card after you include allowable expenses such as childcare and rent (see ‘Allowable expenses’ below).
Further information on legislation, how to apply and rules – CLICK HERE
Reference: Legislation/Citizens Information
