Medical Card/G.P. Visit Card National Assessment Guidelines

2 Introduction
2.1 Medical Card
A Medical Card, as issued by the Health Service Executive, confirms that the holder is
entitled, free of charge, to a range of Health Services which includes:
- General Medical & Surgical Services including all inpatient services and
outpatient services in a public ward in a public hospital (including consultant
services).
- Medical & Midwifery Care for Mothers and Infants.
- A choice of General Medical Practitioner from those doctors who have a
contract with the Health Service Executive.
- Supply of prescribed approved medicines and appliances.
- Dental, Ophthalmic, and Aural services.
- A Maternity Cash Grant for each child born.
Additional benefits of having a Medical Card may include:
- Exemption from Health Contributions (managed by the Department of Social
& Family Affairs).
- Exemption from Income levy 2009 (managed by the Revenue
Commissioners).
- Free transport to school for children who reside 3 miles or more from the
nearest school (managed by the Department of Education and Science).
- Exemption from exam fees in second level schools. (managed by the
Department of Education and Science)
- Assistance with the purchase of school books. (This is subject to local
arrangements in schools
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