Yes, if you have a medical card or a Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card. Since 1 June 2025, HRT prescribed for perimenopause or menopause symptoms is free at participating pharmacies, with no prescription charge. You need a prescription from a GP, registered nurse or midwife. Without either card, you pay for HRT as normal. Laois Pharmacy is on the HSE list of pharmacies taking part.
Who gets free HRT?
- Medical card holders: HRT is free, with no prescription charge for it.
- DPS card holders: HRT is free.
- No card? Register for the DPS at mydps.ie. There is no means test, but you need to live in Ireland and intend to stay for at least a year. Our Drugs Payment Scheme guide explains how.
The arrangement covers perimenopause, post menopause, and early, premature or medically induced menopause.
What exactly is free?
- The HRT medicine itself: patches, gels, sprays and tablets, plus vaginal oestrogen, progesterone, the Mirena coil and testosterone gels on the HSE list.
- It covers the medicine, not the consultation. You still need a prescription from a GP, registered nurse or midwife.
- We check what is covered on your prescription before dispensing.
Free HRT medication list
The HSE list (April 2025) covers most HRT used in Ireland, including:
- Patches: estradiol patches such as Evorel and Estradot
- Gels and spray: Oestrogel, Divigel and Lenzetto spray
- Tablets: such as Femoston, Kliogest and Livial
- Progesterone: Utrogestan capsules and the Mirena coil
- Vaginal oestrogen: Vagifem, Vagirux, Ovestin and Blissel
- Testosterone: gels such as Testogel, Tostran and Testarzon, and Nebido injection
The list can change, so we check your prescription before dispensing.
How to get free HRT, 3 steps
- No medical card? Register for the DPS at mydps.ie, by post or by email.
- Get a prescription from your GP, a registered nurse or a midwife. Not sure how to start that conversation? Our menopause support guide includes a symptom checklist you can bring with you.
- Bring it to Laois Pharmacy with your medical card or DPS details. A WhatsApp photo on 085 840 7548 is fine for a stock and coverage check, but to dispense we need the original prescription or one your prescriber sends us by Healthmail.
What about other menopause supports?
HRT isn’t the only option, and it isn’t right for everyone. Our pharmacists can talk you through non-hormonal options for hot flushes and sleep, supplements with actual evidence behind them, and vaginal moisturisers and lubricants, and we’ll tell you honestly when something is better discussed with your GP.
Questions about HRT or menopause?
Ask our pharmacists in store, or message us on WhatsApp. We’ll check whether your prescription is covered and talk through your options, no appointment needed.
Free HRT FAQs
Is HRT really free in Ireland now?
Yes, if you have a medical card or a Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card. Since 1 June 2025, HRT prescribed for perimenopause or menopause symptoms is free at participating pharmacies, including Laois Pharmacy. You still need a prescription from a GP, registered nurse or midwife.
Do I need a medical card to get free HRT?
You need either a medical card or a DPS card. If you do not have a medical card, register for the DPS at mydps.ie. There is no means test. Without either card, you pay for HRT as normal.
What HRT is on the free HRT medication list?
The HSE list covers most HRT used in Ireland, including estradiol patches (Evorel, Estradot), gels (Oestrogel, Divigel), Lenzetto spray, tablets such as Femoston, Kliogest and Livial, progesterone capsules (Utrogestan), the Mirena coil, vaginal oestrogen (Vagifem, Vagirux, Ovestin, Blissel) and testosterone gels (Testogel, Tostran, Testarzon). The list can change, so we check your prescription before dispensing.
I paid for HRT before. Can I get a refund?
No. The HSE has told pharmacies there is no way to refund patients directly for HRT. It is free at the point of supply, so register for the DPS before your next prescription is dispensed.
Does the scheme cover testosterone?
The HSE list includes testosterone gels such as Testogel, Tostran and Testarzon. Coverage still depends on your prescription, so bring it in and we will check it before anything is dispensed.
Can the pharmacist start me on HRT without a GP?
No. HRT is prescription-only, so it is started by your GP or another prescriber. We can advise on how to use it, side effects and over-the-counter support alongside it.
Is Laois Pharmacy part of the free HRT scheme?
Yes. Laois Pharmacy, 1 Dunamaise House, Lyster Square, Portlaoise, is listed on the HSE free HRT pharmacy finder. Bring your prescription and your medical card or DPS card details.
Sources: HSE free HRT pharmacy finder, Citizens Information: free HRT scheme, HSE Drugs Payment Scheme.
Reviewed by Deirdre O’Donovan MPSI, pharmacist (registered since 1981), Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise, October 2026. Scheme details can change, we’ll always confirm coverage when you bring in your prescription.
