Long Term Illness Scheme
Information
People suffering from certain conditions, who are not already medical card holders, can get free drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances for the treatment of that condition. These are provided under the Long Term Illness Scheme. This scheme is administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE), under Section 59 of the Health Act 1970.
The Long Term Illness Scheme does not depend on your income or other circumstances and is separate from the Medical Card scheme and the GP Visit Card Scheme.
Budget 2012: Extension of free GP care to all claimants of medicines under the Long Term Illness Scheme will require primary legislation. There will be an announcement in due course about the start date for the new arrangements.
Rules
The medical conditions that qualify under the Long Term Illness Scheme are:
- Mental handicap
- Mental illness (for people under 16 only)
- Diabetes insipidus
- Diabetes mellitus
- Haemophilia
- Cerebral palsy
- Phenylketonuria
- Epilepsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spina bifida
- Muscular dystrophies
- Hydrocephalus
- Parkinsonism
- Acute leukaemia
- Conditions arising from use of Thalidomide
If you qualify, you will get a long-term illness book. This book lists the drugs and medicines for the treatment of your condition, which will be provided to you free of charge through your community pharmacist. Other drugs and medicines not related to the specified condition must be paid for in the normal way.
If your doctor or occupational therapist prescribes a medical or surgical appliance, it will be supplied to you from your Local Health Office
Non-medical card holders, non-GP Visit Card holders and conditions not covered under Long Term Illness
How to apply
A standard application form for the Long Term Illness Scheme is not available online. You can get an application form from your family doctor (GP) or your Local Health Office.
Language
Related Documents
- Prescribed drugs and medicines
Irish residents are entitled to either free or subsidised approved prescribed drugs and medicines and certain medical and surgical aids and appliances. - GP and Pharmacy Services - Introduction
Family doctors (GPs) and pharmacies provide a range of services to citizens. Introduction and overview of services. - Illness in your retirement
There are a range of payments and services available to support older people who become ill or acquire a disability. Information on income supports, health care, housing, taxation and caring for someone else.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.