GP visit cards for children under 8

With the GP Visit Card your child will get free GP visits up until their 8th birthday.

The principal doctors listed are Dr. Kilian McGrogan, Dr. Alan O'Donohoe, Dr. Judith Kavanagh, Dr. Una O'Neill and Dr. Orlaith O'Daly. 

From 11th August 2023, the GP Visit card eligibility has expanded to include children ages 6 and 7 years, up to their 8th birthday. Patients whose existing cards have already expired will need to reapply. 

Please see a comprehensive leaflet on what the card does and does not cover here. 

For information on how to register your child please visit the HSE website here ››

Please note, we are accepting existing patients' applications in the first instance; new patients' applications will be dealt with as soon as possible. If you receive a letter from the HSE, your application is still pending on our system, so you do not need to reapply. 

In order to register your child or children you will need the following information:

• The PPS number of the child or children you wish to register.
  What's a PPS Number? If you do not have a PPS number and your baby is under two months of age, you can register by leaving the PPS number blank. If you leave the PPS number blank, the HSE will write to you separately to acquire the PPS number.
• The PPS number of the child's parent or guardian.
• Your email address.

My child is almost 8, should I still register them under this scheme?

Yes, please register all your children under the age of 8. Your child will be eligible to be included in this scheme, until the end of the month after your child’s (children’s) 8th birthday. For example if your child is 8 on 12th March, their eligibility will run until 31st March that year.

What if my child (children) already has a Medical Card?

If your child already holds Medical Card eligibility, there is no need to register them for inclusion in this scheme. However if your family circumstances change in the future and your family no longer qualify for Medical Cards, you should then register your child (children) under 8 for inclusion in this scheme. If you and your family are applying for assessment for Medical Card/GP Visit Card, you should still include the details for your child (children) under 8, as a threshold for the child (children) will be included in the assessment of your Medical Card/GP Visit Card application. Your child (provided that they are under 8) will also then be automatically registered under the GP Visit Card Under 8s scheme. If your family is assessed as being eligible for a Medical Card your family (including your child) will receive Medical Cards. If your Medical Card application is unsuccessful, your child (children) under the age of 8 will be provided with a GP Visit Card under the GP Visit Card Under 8s scheme. 

I have registered my child online - what happens next? 

Once you complete the registration process, details are sent to us to approve your application. Once we have confirmed the application, a GP Visit Card will be issued to all eligible children within a few days. 

Will I have to pay for medicines prescribed by my GP?

Yes; the GP Visit Card for children under 8 does NOT cover the cost of medications prescribed by a GP, or hospital charges. If you child has eligibility under the Long Term Illness Scheme they will receive drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their long term illness free of charge. If you don't have a Medical Card, you should apply for a Drugs Payment Scheme Card. Under this scheme, an individual or family will pay a maximum of €144 per month for approved drugs, medicines and certain appliances for use by them in that month.