The Irish Public Health System provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e. full eligibility (medical cards) and limited eligibility. In order to be deemed as "ordinarily resident" an individual must be a resident in Ireland for at least 12 months or can provide proof that they intend to live here for at least 12 months. Full eligibility is determined primarily by reference to income limits and determination of an individual's eligibility status is the responsibility of the HSE.
Individuals with full eligibility can access a range of services including general practitioner services, prescribed drugs and medicines, all public hospital in-patient services including consultant services, all public hospital out-patient services including consultant services, home nursing, dental, ophthalmic, and aural services and appliances, a termination of pregnancy service and a maternity and infant care service. Individuals with limited eligibility are eligible for in-patient and outpatient public hospital services including consultant services, subject to certain charges. Other services such as allied healthcare professional services may also be made available to persons with limited eligibility.
