Children under the age of 6 are entitled to free visits to a participating GP.
In addition to free GP visits, the GP visit card for children under 6 covers specific assessments at age 2 and 5 and care for children with asthma.
These assessments are preventive checks that include charting age, weight and height and taking appropriate follow-up action.
The asthma checks will assess your child’s asthma and review their medications, including ensuring that your child is using inhalers correctly. A written plan will be given to you to help you manage your child’s asthma. The initial check takes place when asthma is diagnosed in a child over 2 years of age, followed by another check in the following 3 months and then annually until the child reaches the age of 6.
All children under 6 who live or intend to live in Ireland for at least 1 year are eligible.
Your child will be included in this scheme until the end of the month of your child’s 6th birthday. The date that the card is valid until is shown on the card. You will be notified approximately 3 months before it is due to expire.
The card covers free GP visits, including home visits and out of hours, urgent GP care. GPs provide these services as part of a contract with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
If your child already has a medical card, there is no need to register them for inclusion in this scheme while they continue to be eligible for a medical card. However if your family circumstances change in the future and your family is no longer eligible for medical cards, you can then register your children for GP visit cards for children under 6.