Minister for Health encourages public to apply for GP Visit Card
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 9 September 2025
- Last updated on: 17 September 2025
The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is today encouraging members of the public to consider applying for a GP Visit Card, an important initiative designed to ensure greater access to essential healthcare services across the country.
As of 1 August 2025, there were over 750,000 GP Visit Card holders throughout the country who can visit their GP free of charge, removing a financial barrier for many individuals and families in accessing care.
To work out if you qualify for a GP visit card the (Health Service Executive) HSE look at your income, personal circumstances and expenses. It's possible that you may qualify for a GP visit card even if the amount of money you earn is high. If your expenses are also high, you could still qualify.
The Healthy Ireland Survey 2024 showed an average of over three private GP visits a year per person. Based on Healthy Ireland visitation data, annual savings of approximately €600 for a family of four, €300 for a family of two and €200 for an individual can be achieved.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
"Good health begins with good access. We know that the cost of GP consultations can sometimes discourage people from seeking help when they need it. For those eligible for a GP Visit Card, it removes this obstacle and helps support individuals and families in managing their health.
“GP Visit Cards for people age 8 to 69 are means tested. Your income, personal circumstances and your expenses are taken into account in the application to see if you qualify.”
The GP visit card scheme is open to a broad range of applicants. For most, eligibility is based on income thresholds and family circumstances. Children under 8 years of age and those aged 70 or more are automatically eligible for a card. Many people are not aware that they may qualify, and the Minister for Health urges everyone to review the criteria.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
"I’d particularly like to encourage students and parents whose children are pursuing third level education to have a conversation about applying for a GP Visit Card. Eligibility is determined based on the individual income of the applicant, and some students may not be aware that they qualify. The application process is accessible and can be completed on the HSE website.”
To learn more, or to apply visit GPVisitCard.ie.
Notes
Annual GP visit card savings are based on the Healthy Ireland 2024 report average private visitation rate of 3.2 for persons aged 15 and above, and an estimated average rate per child aged 8-17 using Healthy Ireland 2023 report data.
Examples of household income thresholds
These examples are by way of illustration only. Everyone’s circumstances are different – the application process will take applicants through their own income and expenses to assess eligibility.
Worked example 1 – single person, renting, no children
| New | |
| Base threshold | 418 |
| Weekly rent | 300 |
| Allowable commuting cost | 50 |
| Net eligibility threshold | 768 |
Under the threshold, this person could have net income of up to €768 per week and qualify for a GP Visit Card.
Worked example 2 – Couple, 2 children, with mortgage, single income
| € | |
| Base threshold | 607 |
| Weekly mortgage | 300 |
| Allowance for 2 dependents | 114 |
| Net eligibility threshold | 1,021 |
Under the threshold, this couple could have weekly net income of up to €1,021 and the family would qualify for a GP Visit Card.
Worked example 3 – Couple, no children, with mortgage, dual income
| € | |
| Base threshold | 607 |
| Weekly mortgage | 300 |
| Allowance for 0 dependents | 0 |
| Childcare | 0 |
| Net eligibility threshold | 907 |
Under the threshold, this couple could have combined weekly net income of up to €907 and they would qualify for a GP visit card.