Medical card holders are entitled to a range of services for free such as GP visits, hospital visits, certain types of dental treatments and a range of personal and social services.

Entitlement to a medical card is subject to means testing and which are normally awarded to people who can prove they are below set income thresholds. However, the guidelines differ depending on whether you are under or over 70 years old. If you hold a medical card then you are entitled to a reduced fee of €1.50 per item for under 70’s and €1 per item for over 70’s.  This is capped at a maximum of €20 per family per month.