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.