The introduction of the GP Visit Card for children under 6 gives all children under 6 years of age free GP visits, assessments at age 2 and 5 and care for children with asthma.
Here’s everything you need to know about this great new initiative.
What services are provided under the GP Visit Card for children under 6?
Your child will get:
- Free GP visits
- Assessments at age 2 and 5
- Care for children with asthma.
Out-of-hours urgent GP care services are also covered by the Under 6s Scheme, if your little one needs urgent GP care outside of normal doctor’s surgery opening hours. Do keep in mind that the GP Visit Card doesn’t cover the cost of medications or hospital charges.
Has my GP signed up?
You can check here to see if your GP is on the register. If they are not listed, it may be for one of the following reasons.
- They have not signed up to provide services for children under the age of six
- They are not accepting any further registrations
- Their application is still being processed
If you’re regular GP is not available, you can pick another GP. The list of participating GPs is updated daily.
How do I sign up for a GP Visit Card?
If your child has a Medical Card or GP Visit Card they will automatically be registered for this new scheme. Children without a medical card must be registered. You can register your child by visiting gpvisitcard.ie. It’s a quick and easy online registration system that only takes a couple of minutes.
What do I need to register?
- The PPS number of the child you’re registering.
- The PPS number of their parent or guardian.
- Your email address.
I have registered my child online - what happens next?
When you complete the registration process, the details are sent to the GP you’ve chosen who must accept your child onto their patient panel. Once the GP of choice has confirmed their acceptance, a GP Visit Card will be issued to all eligible children within a few days.
What happens when my child or children turn 6 years?
You will be notified by the National Medical Card Unit approximately three months before your child’s eligibility is due to expire. A 'Valid To' date is displayed on your child's GP Visit Card.
