Register with a local GP (family doctor) in your first month, before you need one. In Ireland the GP is the front door to most health care. Many GPs have full lists, so start calling early, and check if you can get a GP visit card or medical card.
What you need
- Your address in Ireland (a letter, bank statement or lease helps)
- Your PPS number (needed for medical card and GP visit card applications)
- Photo ID: passport or Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
- Your old medical records or a list of medicines, in English if possible
- A mobile number and email for appointments and text messages
Step by step
- Find GPs near your home. Search online maps for "GP" or "medical centre" in your area. Ask neighbours, colleagues or your landlord which practice they use.
- Call and ask if they take new patients. Say: "Hello, I am new to the area. Are you taking new patients?" If the list is full, ask to join a waiting list and call the next practice.
- Ask about fees. Private GP fees are set by each practice, so ask the price of a normal visit before you book.
- Check if you can get a GP visit card or medical card. Children under 8 and people over 70 can register for a GP visit card. People aged 8 to 69 can apply too. A medical card covers more, such as many medicines, and is usually based on income. Apply on the HSE website.
- Bring your documents to the first visit. Tell the doctor about your medicines, allergies and vaccinations.
- Download the HSE Health App. If you get a GP visit card or medical card, the digital card can show in the app.
Who can use public health services?
You can usually use public health services if you are "ordinarily resident". This means you have lived in Ireland for at least a year, or you plan to live here for at least one year. The HSE decides if you meet this test. It may ask for proof, such as a rental record, a bank statement, a utility bill or an insurance policy in your name, dated in the last 12 months.
- EU citizens may qualify for a medical card under EU rules, usually with an S form from their home country.
- Ukrainians under Temporary Protection can get the same public health care as residents and can apply for a medical card with a special form.
- Non-EU family members do not qualify automatically and may need to meet the same rules themselves.
Emergencies, injuries and costs
| Situation | Where to go | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Life at risk, urgent help | Call 112 or 999 for an ambulance | Free to call |
| Broken bone, sprain, cut, minor burn | Injury unit (no appointment needed) | Check the official site |
| Serious illness or injury | Hospital emergency department (ED) | €100 if you go without a GP referral letter, unless you are exempt (for example, medical card holders) |
| Normal illness, check-ups, prescriptions | Your GP | Set by the practice, free with a GP visit card or medical card |
| At night or weekends | GP out-of-hours service | Check with your local service |
Public in-patient hospital charges were abolished on 17 April 2023. Without a medical card you pay for prescribed medicines, but a Drugs Payment Scheme card can lower your monthly cost. Check the current cap on the HSE or Citizens Information website.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until you are sick to look for a GP. Lists fill up, so register when you are healthy.
- Going straight to the ED for small problems. You may wait many hours and pay €100.
- Not applying for a card you qualify for, especially for children under 8.
- Forgetting that private health insurance is optional. It is not needed to see a GP.
Do it faster with GetKG
- Merge PDF — join your proof of address and ID into one file for an online application
- Compress PDF — make scanned documents small enough to upload
- Image Compressor — shrink phone photos of documents before you email them
- B1 English — practise the words you need at the doctor
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Is seeing a GP free in Ireland?
Not for everyone. It is free if you have a medical card or GP visit card. Otherwise you pay the fee set by the practice, so ask the price when you book.
Can I use the HSE if I just arrived?
Usually yes, if you plan to live in Ireland for at least one year. The HSE decides if you are ordinarily resident and may ask for proof of address.
What number do I call in an emergency?
Call 112 or 999 for an ambulance if a life is at risk or you need urgent medical attention. Both numbers are free.
Do I need a referral for the emergency department?
No, but if you go without a GP referral letter you may pay €100, unless you are exempt, for example as a medical card holder.
This page is general information, not legal, immigration, medical or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so always check the official site before you act.
Next step: sort out your tax so you do not pay too much. Read Tax and Revenue: register your job and avoid emergency tax.