Prescription Costs in Ireland
Ireland has a multi-tier system for prescription medicines. Depending on your eligibility and which scheme you qualify for, the cost of medicines can range from free to full price. Updated for 2026 HSE.
Medical Card Prescription Charges
If you have a Medical Card, prescription medicines are available at a reduced rate:
- €2 per item — but only for items that have a charges exemption status.
- Monthly cap: No more than €20 per month per family.
- Some medicines (e.g., certain long-term illness drugs) are completely free.
Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS)
The Drugs Payment Scheme caps the amount any individual or family pays for approved prescription medicines in a calendar month.
- Monthly cap (2026): €80 per month per family.
- Once you and your family spend €80 on approved prescription medicines in a month, the rest are free for that month.
- You must apply for the DPS — it is not automatic.
- The scheme covers all prescribed medicines approved by the HSE.
To apply, complete the DPS application form available at hse.ie or at your local pharmacy. You need your PPS number and the PPS numbers of your dependants.
Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme
The Long Term Illness Scheme provides free medicines and treatment for people with certain conditions, regardless of income. The conditions covered are:
- Acute leukaemia
- Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Epilepsy
- Intellectual disability
- Mental illness (including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Parkinson's disease
- Phenylketonuria
- Spina bifida
- Cerebral palsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Haemophilia and other coagulation disorders
- Hydrocephalus
- Hypothyroidism (under-16s only)
- Tuberculosis
Apply through your GP or hospital consultant. Once approved, you get a Long Term Illness Card entitling you to free medicines for your condition.
GP Visit Card and Prescriptions
A GP Visit Card does not cover prescription medicines. You will need to pay the full retail price unless you are also covered by the Drugs Payment Scheme or Long Term Illness Scheme.
Tips to Save on Prescriptions
- Apply for the DPS — if you spend more than €80/month on prescriptions, this scheme will save you money.
- Check if your condition qualifies for the LTI Scheme — many common conditions qualify.
- Ask your GP about generic alternatives — generic medicines are significantly cheaper than brand-name equivalents.
- Compare pharmacy prices — some independent pharmacies charge less than chain pharmacies.
- Use a prescription price comparison website — the HSE does not regulate retail prices, so shop around.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you are an EU/EEA citizen visiting Ireland, your EHIC entitles you to medically necessary prescription medicines at the same cost as a public patient (which may involve some charges).