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.

  • Under the Drugs Payment Scheme individuals or families only pay a maximum monthly amount for the prescribed drugs, medicines or appliances they use.

  • People with medical cards pay a charge for medicines that they get on prescription from pharmacies.

  • The scheme covers free drugs and medical appliances for the treatment of specific long term illnesses and conditions.

  • You can use a medical prescription in other European states if certain information is included on it.