Topic hub

Health

Direct answers, practical steps and primary sources for people in Ireland.

How to find and use GP out-of-hours care in Ireland

Phone your local GP out-of-hours service when your GP is closed and the problem is urgent but not immediately life-threatening.

An eligible household pays no more than the current monthly threshold for approved prescribed medicines, appliances and aids.

A Medical Card covers a broader set of public health services. A GP Visit Card mainly covers participating GP visits.

If someone may act on suicidal thoughts, has seriously harmed themselves or cannot stay safe, call 112 or 999 or go to an emergency department now.

A referral can place you on a waiting list, but urgency, specialty and the service required affect how your case is managed.

Understand what population screening can and cannot tell you, who the four national programmes serve and why symptoms need a different route.

Understand how generic medicines compare with branded products, why appearance may change and when to ask a pharmacist before switching.