HSE Medical Cards

Applying for Medical Card

Medical cards and doctor visit cards can be applied for online at www.medicalcard.ie This is the quickest way to find out if you qualify and to get your card.  Application forms are also available to download on their site.

Forms should be sent to the PCRS at Client Registration Unit, PO Box 11745, Dublin 11.

When your application form is received you will be sent a reference number by the PCRS.  Please note that this reference number is not your medical card number nor is it a guarantee that your application will be successful.  Your medical card is not active until the day it goes live from the PCRS.  While you are waiting for your card to go live you have to pay for medical services as a private patient.  If you should be inadvertently be charged a fee by us when your card is valid we are happy to refund you once we can verify the date of issue of your card.

You can also check the status of your application online at www.medicalcard.ie or by phoning PCRS on lo-call 1890 252 919 for any queries regarding your medical card or doctor visit card.  You will need your reference number or PPS number to hand when you phone.

Renewing your Medical Card or Doctor Visit Card

It is very important to let the PCRS know if your contact details change, as if you move house and don't let them know, your renewal forms will go to the address they have on file and if those forms are not returned on time your card will be automatically be cancelled. It does not matter what expiry is on your card, the HSE will do periodic reviews of all cards to check that people are still Irish residents etc., so always return your renewal form on time.

If you change address please phone PCRS on loCall 1890 252 919 to let them know.

Renewal forms do not need to be signed by us if our name is printed at the top of the signing page, you only need to get that page signed if you are changing your doctor of choice.

What is not covered by your medical card?

There are certain services not covered by medical cards. The most common services requested that are not covered are Medicals and Eyesight tests for Driving and Provisional Licences, Medicals for Sports (eg boxing and diving), some letters and forms (eg letters for Housing, forms for travel and holiday insurance forms,)  Medico legal reports, Travel Vaccinations, Screening Blood Tests, Private Work Certificates etc

This is not a complete list, if you are unsure if the service you require is covered, please ask us.

Under 6s Doctor Visit Cards

You can register your child from birth at www.gpvisitcard.ie

What information do I need to register?
- Your Child or Children's PPS number
- Your PPS number and contact details
- Select your GP of choice

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 get the PPS number.   See www.gpvisitcard.ie for more information.

Over 70s Doctor Visit Cards

Current Medical Card or GP Visit Card holders do not have to register for this scheme.
Non-Medical Card or GP Visit Card holders can register if aged 70 or over provided they are ordinarily resident in Ireland.

Register online or download the registration form at www.gpvisitcard.ie, or we have some forms at the surgery reception also.

What information do I need to register online?

- Your Public Personal Services (PPS) number
- The name of your GP of choice
- Your spouse or partner's Public Personal Services (PPS) number (if applicable).

Any queries, please phone the PCRS on loCall 1890 252919