It’s the question our pharmacists in Portlaoise answer more than any other: “Is this covered on my medical card?” The rules aren’t complicated once someone explains them properly, so here’s the plain-English version from the team at Laois Pharmacy.
The quick answer
If you have a medical card, the medicines your GP prescribes are covered by the State as long as they’re on the approved (GMS) list, and the vast majority of commonly prescribed medicines are. You don’t pay for the medicine itself. What you do pay is a small prescription charge of €1.50 per item, capped at €15 per month for your whole family. Once your household hits €15 in a calendar month, everything after that is free.
What will I pay for my prescription?
Pick the option that matches you, we’ll tell you what you’d pay at the counter.
What the medical card covers at the pharmacy
- Prescribed medicines on the GMS list, the medicine cost is covered; you pay only the €1.50-per-item charge.
- Some appliances and dressings when prescribed.
- The morning after pill and contraception, free for medical card holders. See our emergency contraception service.
- Approved vaccines in many cases, ask us what applies to you.
What it doesn’t cover
- Over-the-counter products you pick off the shelf, vitamins, cosmetic items and general OTC medicines aren’t covered unless your GP prescribes a product that’s on the approved list.
- Some branded medicines, if a generic version is available, the scheme may cover the generic; you can still choose the brand and pay the difference.
Don’t have a medical card? You still have options
Two schemes catch almost everyone else:
- The Drug Payment Scheme (€80/month cap), no means test, any household. Full guide here.
- The Long-Term Illness Scheme, completely free medicines for 16 listed conditions (including diabetes, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s) no matter what you earn.
Not sure what you should be paying?
Bring your prescription, or a photo of it on WhatsApp, and our pharmacists will tell you exactly what it costs under your scheme, and whether a scheme you’re not using could save you money.
Medical card pharmacy FAQs
How much is the prescription charge for medical card holders?
€1.50 per item dispensed, capped at €15 per month per family. Once your household reaches €15 in a month, there are no further charges that month.
Can I use my medical card at Laois Pharmacy?
Yes, we hold a GMS contract, so your medical card works here exactly as it does anywhere in Ireland. Switching to us takes a single visit.
Does the medical card cover over-the-counter medicines?
Generally no. Shelf products like vitamins or standard pain relief aren’t covered unless a GP prescribes an approved product. Our pharmacists can tell you which products can be prescribed instead.
What is the Long-Term Illness scheme?
A separate scheme giving completely free medicines for 16 listed long-term conditions, including diabetes and epilepsy, regardless of income. No prescription charge applies.
Reviewed by Deirdre O’Donovan MPSI, pharmacist (registered since 1981), Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. Scheme details correct as of July 2026, charges are set by the HSE and can change.
