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.
