The Government have recently announced changes to the doctor visit card eligibility criteria. Children under eight can now apply for a GP Visit Card which will entitle them to free GP visits but not free medication. If your child was under six on July 1st 2023 then you don’t need to apply for the new card, the existing card will remain valid until the child reaches the age of eight. If however your child is over six and under eight you will need to apply online for a new medical card. For further information and to apply online, click here.

There has also been changes to the income thresholds under which adults become eligible for a medical card. The weekly income threshold for a single person living alone has increased from €304 to €418 per week, while that for a couple will increase to €607 per week. For further information and to apply online, click here.