Children in Ireland aged under 18 can get some health services free of charge, even if their parent or guardian does not have a medical card – some free provision stops at age 16.  The services provided usually relate to child development, vaccinations and school health services.

Children under 6 get free GP visits with a GP visit card and once they are over 6, the GP visit card is means tested. Where a parent/guardian holds a medical card, their child is included on that card and can access the same services as their parent/guardian.

The Drugs Payment Scheme coves the costs of medication and drugs for a child up to age 18 (or 23 if in full-time education).

Hospital in-patient services have been free for children aged under 16 in all public hospitals since September 2022 and if a child is admitted to a public hospital as a result of issues identified at child or school health checks, the associated normal hospital charges will not be applied.

Cross-border issues

Frontier workers – If you live in one jurisdiction and work in another you may be eligible for healthcare both where you live and where you work, this may also have implications for your children. Please see Border People / Healthcare for Frontier Workers

See Also:

• Citizens Information – Health & medical services for children
• Border People – Medical card – Ireland
• Border People FAQ – Health Care

Page last checked: March 2023

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