Children under the age of 6 are entitled to free visits to a GP (family doctor). They are not entitled to free visits to hospital emergency departments. All children aged under 6 who live in Ireland or who intend to live in Ireland for at least one year are eligible. The doctor must be taking part in the free GP care for children under 6 scheme.

You must register your child for a GP visit card. You will need your Personal Public Service number (PPS number), your child(rens) PPS numbers and your choice of participating GP.

You can get a list of GP’s who are taking part in the scheme at www.gpvisitcard.ie. This list also tells you whether your chosen GP accepts online registrations. If they do, you can apply online at www.gpvisitcard.ie. If a GP doesn’t accept online registrations, or if you prefer to use a paper form, you can download the registration form from www.gpvisitcard.ie, bring it to the GP to sign, and then send it to:

GP Visit Card -Under 6’s
PO Box 12629,
Dublin 11

Your child will be included in this scheme until the end of the month of their sixth birthday. The expiry date will be shown on the card. You will be notified approximately three months before it is due to expire.

If you have any questions about registering for the scheme you can phone Lo-call 1890 252 919

For more information go to www.citizensadvice.ie