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Bitrix24 HSE · medical card · GP visit card
Medical card — how your income is counted, and what to do if refused
Short answer. Under 70, the test is not your gross pay. The HSE looks at household income after tax, PRSI and USC, then adds a basic rate, an amount for dependants and allowable expenses such as rent, childcare and travel to work. From 70, the HSE counts gross income. If you are just over, the HSE can still look at your medical costs for a discretionary medical card or GP visit card.
Updated: · Next check 2027-02-01
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For expenses, the HSE asks for proof of current payments dated within the last 3 months.
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Count rent, childcare and travel to work: they raise your threshold.
Use recent proof: expenses dated within the last 3 months.
Deadlines
The rules, with the source
| What | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Your threshold | Basic rate + dependants + allowable expenses = the most you can earn a week, after tax | HSE, how much you can earn |
| Basic rate, single, living alone, up to 65 | €184 a week | HSE, how much you can earn |
| Basic rate, single, living alone, 66 to 69 | €201.50 a week | HSE, how much you can earn |
| Basic rate, single, with family, up to 65 | €164 a week | HSE, how much you can earn |
| Basic rate, couple or single parent with dependants, up to 65 | €266.50 a week | HSE, how much you can earn |
| First two children under 16 | €38 each | HSE, how much you can earn |
| Third and later children under 16 | €41 each | HSE, how much you can earn |
| Dependant over 16 in full-time third level, not grant aided | €78 | HSE, how much you can earn |
| Allowable expenses | Rent, mortgage, childcare, travel to work, maintenance, net nursing home cost, mortgage protection | HSE, assessment |
| Only income is a social welfare payment | You qualify and should apply | HSE, assessment |
| Processing | The HSE aims for 15 working days. Incomplete applications take longer | HSE, apply |
GP visit card rates are different from these. There is no financial assessment for the under 8s GP visit card. Rates checked on 1 November 2026 on www2.hse.ie.
What does not exist
Be careful with these.
- “The limit is on your gross pay”: Under 70, the HSE uses income after tax, PRSI and USC. From 70, it counts gross income.
- “Over the limit means no card”: Medical officers can consider a discretionary card or GP visit card if medical bills would cause hardship.
Step by step
What to do, in order
1
Add up your weekly net income
Take-home pay, welfare, pension, rent from a room, savings income.
2
Work out your threshold
Basic rate, dependants, then rent, childcare and travel to work.
3
Gather your documents
Income and expenses, with your name and address. Expenses dated within the last 3 months.
4
Apply
Online is quickest. Email or post also work, with the application form.
5
Include medical costs
Receipts for medicines, GP and consultant bills, if you are near or over the limit.
6
If refused
Fix wrong figures with a reassessment within three weeks of the letter, or appeal within 28 days of its date.
Questions
Is it based on gross or net income?
Under 70, net: the HSE looks at household income after tax, PRSI and USC. From 70, it counts gross income.
I am a little over. Is it worth applying?
Yes, if you have medical costs. The HSE can consider a discretionary medical card or a GP visit card. Include evidence of those costs.
What is a discretionary medical card?
It gives the same services as a means-tested card. You apply the same way and add your family’s medical expenses.
What is the difference with a GP visit card?
It has different basic rates. Check the HSE rates for it. Under 8s have no financial assessment.
What can I do if I am refused?
The letter sets out your means assessment. With new or corrected information, ask for a reassessment within three weeks of the letter. You can also appeal within 28 days of the date of the decision letter, to the HSE National Appeals Service.
Official sources
Other documents
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This page helps you prepare. The HSE decides.