Many children aged six and seven can now go to the GP free of charge following the expansion of visitor cards.
The changes were deadlined for the beginning of April and will benefit thousands of eligible children. The budget plans also allow for households with a median income of less than €46,000 to access free GP healthcare.
Kids under the age of six are already entitled to free GP appointments, as well as home visits and out of hours urgent care. You can ensure your child won't miss out on the scheme by following several steps.
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If a child is already in receipt of a medical card, they won't need to apply for the new scheme. Here are some details about how to get a card.
How can I apply for the free card?
Parents will need their child's PPS number in order to get access to a card, as well as their choice of participating GPs. It's worth noting that not all GPs will take part in the scheme- a list of clinics who accept free visit cards is available here.
This list will also tell you whether a participating GP accepts online registrations. If they do, applications can be made online via the HSE's website.
Previously, paper applications for children aged under six could be made by downloading a form from an online link. Parents or other applicants need their GP's signature on the form before sending it to GP Visit Card – Under 6s, PO Box 12629, Dublin 11. The same format may apply as access for six and seven year olds gets underway.
What groups are eligible for a free GP visit card?
There are other cohorts besides children that are entitled to a free GP visit card. Anyone aged over 70 can participate in the scheme, without an income test applying.
For those aged under 70, income assessment determines a person's eligibility. The weekly income limits for those considering a free GP visit card are listed below.
| Category | Aged under 66 | Aged 66-69 |
| Single person living alone | €304 | €333 |
| Single person living with family | €271 | €286 |
| Married or cohabiting couple (or lone parent with dependent children) | €441 | €492 |
| Allowance for each of first 2 children aged under 16 | €57 | €57 |
| Allowance for 3rd and for each subsequent child under 16 | €61.50 | €61.50 |
| Allowance for each of first 2 children aged over 16 (with no income) | €58.50 | €58.50 |
| Allowance for 3rd and for each subsequent child over 16 (with no income) | €64 | €64 |
| Each dependant over 16 years in full-time non-grant aided third-level | €117 | €117 |
If someone is aged over 70 with dependants below the age threshold, their dependants may also qualify for the scheme. This is dependant on a family's income levels.
People on the Carer's Allowance, either at full or half rate, are entitled to a free GP visit card. Further information on getting access to a free card is available online.
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