FREE GP care for under 8yr olds is here! This is what you need to do…
Often misunderstanding leads to confusion and upset when one arrives at the clinic or an out-of-ours service without a valid card, resulting in charges as private patients. To avoid this, here is everything you need to know….
All children under 8 years of age living in Ireland can get a GP visit card.
The under 8s GP visit card covers:
free GP visits
out-of-hours urgent GP care
care for children with asthma
Medication costs and hospital charges are not covered.
Children who have an under 6s card:
You do not need to register for a new GP visit card if your child:
is under 6 and has a GP visit card
was under 6 on 1 July 2023
Their old card will automatically be extended. They will have free GP care until they are 8.
Children who turned 6 before 1 July:
You need to register for a new under 8s GP visit card if your child:
turned 6 before 1 July 2023
is age 7
Their new card will cover free GP care until they are 8.
Check to see if a card is still valid here
Register online
To register your child you need to provide your:
PPS number
child's PPS number
GP's name
If you don't have your child's PPS number, phone the Department of Social Protection on 0818 927 999 or email cis@welfare.ie. If your baby is under 4 months, you can still register. We'll ask you for their PPS at a later date.
Your child must currently live in Ireland and intend to live here for at least 1 year.
If your child has a medical card, you do not need to register. Your child already has access to free GP services.