Parents in Ireland can now register their children, aged 6 and 7, for free GP care for the first time today, August 11th.
The HSE is encouraging families and guardians to make online applications for a GP Visit Card for all children in this age group from today via the HSE website hse.ie/gpvisitcards.
The introduction of free GP care has been welcomed by Irish parents, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.
Speaking about the launch, HSE Assistant National Director, Primary Care Reimbursement Service Shaun Flanagan said:
“Our staff have been working hard in the background preparing for this change.
“We have updated our systems and processes to make it as easy as possible for people to apply for the new GP Visit Cards on behalf of eligible children.”
Mr. Flanagan said the quickest and easiest way to apply for the GP visit card is online.
Free GP care has been available to children under the age of 6 since 2015.
The measure extending eligibility to children aged 6 and 7 was announced recently by Government, and is supported by an agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation signed in July 2023, which put in place a series of supports to allow GPs to meet the likely increase in demand for services.
The free GP Visit Cards mean children, aged 7 and under, can now visit their GP for free.
If you have a GP visit card, you don’t have to pay to see your doctor. You will have to pay for medicines and other services.
You can register for a GP Visit Card for your 6 or 7-year-old via hse.ie/gpvisitcards.
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