If you pay for prescriptions in Ireland and you do not have a medical card, the Drug Payment Scheme is one of the most useful things you can sign up for. It puts a firm monthly limit on what your household spends on approved medicines, and you can apply online in a few minutes. Here is how it works in plain English.
for approved prescription medicines under the Drug Payment Scheme in 2026
What is the Drug Payment Scheme?
The Drug Payment Scheme, or DPS, is a Health Service Executive scheme that caps how much any individual or family pays for approved prescribed medicines in a single calendar month. In 2026 that cap is €80 a month. Once your household has spent €80 on approved medicines in a month, the HSE covers the rest for that month, so you never pay more than the cap.
How it works
The cap is per household, not per person. The HSE counts as one family an adult, their partner, children under 18 or aged 18 to 23 in full-time education, and a family member who cannot maintain themselves because of a disability or illness (a medical report is needed). That makes it especially valuable for families, or anyone managing several long term prescriptions at once.
Who can use it?
The scheme is not means tested. It is open to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland who does not already have a medical card. If you have a medical card, you are not eligible for the DPS, because your medicines are covered under the medical card instead. See our medical card guide.
What is covered, and what is not
Covered
- Prescription medicines on the HSE reimbursement list
- Approved aids and appliances, including CPAP machine rental and oxygen rental
- Medicines for your whole household combined
Not covered
- Over the counter medicines bought without a prescription
- Medicines the HSE does not reimburse for your use, such as Mounjaro or Wegovy for weight loss
- Anything not on the HSE reimbursement list
This is worth knowing if you are considering weight loss injections. Mounjaro and Wegovy are not reimbursed by the HSE, so they do not count toward your €80 cap, even on a prescription. Our guide to Mounjaro in Ireland explains that side of things.
Is Ozempic or Mounjaro on the Drug Payment Scheme?
- Ozempic: the HSE covers it only on the medical card and the Long-Term Illness Scheme, and only for type 2 diabetes.
- Mounjaro, Wegovy, Mysimba and orlistat: not covered by the medical card, the Long-Term Illness Scheme or the DPS.
- Saxenda: may be covered by the medical card or DPS only under a strict HSE programme, for adults aged 18 to 74 with a BMI of 35 or more, pre-diabetes and a high risk of heart attack or stroke, with an individual application.
Source: HSE, medicines for obesity.
List of drugs covered by the Drug Payment Scheme
The HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service keeps the list of approved medicines and aids. Where a reference price applies, the HSE uses that price to work out your monthly total. CPAP machine rental and oxygen rental also count. If you are unsure about a medicine, ask us and we will check your prescription.
How to register
Apply online at mydps.ie. You can also apply by post (download the form, call 0818 224 478 or get one from your local health office) or by emailing a scan or clear photo of the form to pcrs.applications@hse.ie.
For each person you need their full name, date of birth, sex, PPS number, address and contact details, plus proof that you live in Ireland, such as a recent electricity bill, and proof of full-time education for anyone aged 18 to 23.
Each person gets a DPS card and a digital card in the HSE Health App. The HSE says plastic card production is currently disrupted, so the app card works in the meantime. Need a prescription today and not registered yet? The HSE lets a pharmacy make a temporary once-off emergency registration, as long as you apply in full within 3 months. Ask us.
Paid more than €80 in a month?
Use the same pharmacy each month where you can, so your total is tracked in one place. If you pay more than €80 in a month, for example at different pharmacies, you can claim a refund from the HSE using the refund form and your receipts. Refunds only cover items from pharmacies with a GMS contract and are paid at HSE reimbursement prices, so you may not get back every euro. HRT does not need to be claimed, because it is free with a DPS card: see is HRT free in Ireland.
We can help you register
Pop in or get in touch and our team will help you with your Drug Payment Scheme application, so you never pay more than the cap for your prescriptions.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Drug Payment Scheme cap in 2026?
€80 per household per calendar month for approved prescription medicines, CPAP machine rental and oxygen rental. Once you reach it, the HSE covers the rest that month. The €80 threshold has applied since 1 March 2022.
Is the Drug Payment Scheme means tested?
No. It is open to everyone ordinarily resident in Ireland who does not have a medical card, regardless of income.
Does the scheme cover weight loss injections like Mounjaro?
No. Mounjaro and Wegovy are not reimbursed by the HSE, so they do not count toward the €80 cap, even on a prescription.
Is Ozempic on the Drugs Payment Scheme?
No. The HSE says Ozempic is only available on the medical card and the Long-Term Illness Scheme, and only if you have type 2 diabetes. Wegovy and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are not covered by the DPS. Saxenda (liraglutide) is the only weight loss medicine that may be covered by the DPS, and only if you meet strict HSE criteria.
Where can I see the list of medicines covered by the Drugs Payment Scheme?
The HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service keeps the list of approved medicines and aids. CPAP machine rental and oxygen rental also count towards the €80. Over-the-counter products, and medicines not reimbursed for your use such as Mounjaro, do not count. Where a reference price applies, the HSE uses that price to work out your monthly total. Ask us and we will check your prescription.
How do I register?
Apply online at mydps.ie, or by post or email. You need each person’s PPS number, date of birth and contact details, plus proof that you live in Ireland, such as a recent electricity bill. Ask us if you would like help with the form.
Can the pharmacy register me for the DPS on the day?
The HSE allows a pharmacy to submit a temporary, once-off emergency registration for you. You still need to make your own application within 3 months. Ask us at the counter and we will tell you if this applies to you.
Do I need a DPS card to get free HRT?
Yes, if you do not have a medical card. Since 1 June 2025, prescribed HRT is free at participating pharmacies for anyone registered for the Drugs Payment Scheme. There is no means test, and you can register online at mydps.ie.
Sources
- Drugs Payment Scheme, official overview and threshold. Citizens Information.
- Health Service Executive, Drugs Payment Scheme. HSE.
This article is general information for people in Ireland and is correct to the best of our knowledge for 2026. Scheme rules and thresholds can change, so check the official HSE guidance or ask our pharmacy team for the current details.
