how to find gp visit card number

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Services for medical card and GP visit card holders

Introduction, free services with a medical card or gp visit card, medical services not covered, other services covered by a medical card, more information.

With a medical card , you can get many public services for free. With a GP visit card , you can get free GP visits.

If you have a medical card or GP visit card, your doctor must treat you in the same way they treat private patients. GPs have a contract with the HSE listing the services they must provide for medical card and GP visit card holders. This means that for example, surgery times and access to home visits must be the same for all patients.

This service is paid for by the Health Service Executive (HSE) through the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS).

Emergency and out-of-hours services for medical and GP visit card holders

If you have a medical card, your GP must provide or arrange for emergency services for you and their other medical card patients. You can read more about charges for going to the emergency department .

Your GP may have a rota system with other doctors to provide cross-cover for out-of-hours situations for medical card and GP visit card holders.

Even if you have a medical card or GP visit card, your GP does not have to provide the following services for free:

• Eye tests for a driving licence
• Reports for life assurance
• Medical certificates for absence from work

If you need a medical report to apply for a social welfare payment, the Department of Social Protection may cover the fee.

If you are a medical card holder, you pay a reduced rate of the Universal Social Charge on your income, if it is over the exemption limit.

In Budget 2024, the Government announced the reduced rate of Universal Social Charge (USC) for medical card holders is being extended until 31 December 2025. Reduced rates of USC apply to people who have a full medical card and an income of €60,000 or less a year.

Education and school services

If you have a medical card, you may also be exempt from paying school transport charges and state exam fees in publicly funded second-level schools. You may also get financial help with buying school books in certain schools .

You can read more information about medical cards and GP visit cards . Check if you are eligible for a medical card or GP visit card with the means tests for people aged under 70 and the means test for people aged over 70 .

You can also read about the GP visit card for children aged under 8 and prescription charges for medical card holders .

You can find more information on the medical card and GP visit card on the HSE website. You can find further detail in the HSE Assessment Guidelines for medical cards and GP visit cards .

Related documents

• Under 70s means test for medical card and GP visit card How your income is assessed for the medical card and GP visit card if you are under 70 years of age. 3130.5945
• Prescription charges for medical card holders People with medical cards pay a charge for medicines that they get on prescription from pharmacies. 3103.9238
• GP visit cards Unless you have a medical card or GP visit card, visits to family doctors are not free. What is a GP visit card and how can you apply? 2638.6128

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Eligibility for GP visit cards expanded for people aged up to 69 and children aged 8 and over

THE MINISTER FOR Health Stephen Donnelly has announced an expansion of GP Visit Card eligibility. 

From next month, people aged up to 69 and parents of children aged 8 and up will be able to apply for a means-tested GP Visit Card online.

The means test assessment will consider a person’s or family’s circumstances, income and expenses in order to determine whether they are eligible for a card. 

The online application system will open on a staggered basis in order to cope with demand. The first round of applications will open on 11 September and the second will open on 13 November.

People can apply on the HSE website . 

Announcing the expansion in Finglas today, Donnelly said: “For the first time in the history of our State, over half the population will have access to free GP care.

“It’s been targeted very carefully based on median income, and then universality for children. There are a lot of families out there who up until now have not qualified for a medical card, they haven’t qualified for the GP card, and they really can’t afford the fees,” he said.

He said people feel that they “have not had the choice to go to the GP” due to the cost involved, adding that “that is not something we want to see”.

“We want to see everyone able to access their doctor or their local nurse in a GP practice when they need it or when their child needs it, and that really is the group of people that this is focused on.”

Registration for free GP care for children aged six and seven opened earlier this month. Children under 6 years of age have been eligible for GP Visit Cards since 2015.

Donnelly also said that he will not be pushing for further expansion of free GP care in the upcoming Budget. 

He said he believes the Government has “pushed that as far as it can be pushed” without creating problems with accessing services for patients. 

 The free care scheme has been controversial with GP groups. Earlier this year, the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP)  warned that if more people become medical card holders, they will struggle to get an appointment .

Speaking to reporters, the Minister said the Government had committed to an expansion of the service for children under 12, but said that it did not have a commitment up to the median income.

“We’re doing some of the journey up to the under 12s, that is still government policy, so six and sevens obviously in the last few weeks, and then an additional 430,000 up to the median income,” he said.

“The GPS raised very legitimate concerns in terms of making sure that patients could get access, and the capacity of general practice to absorb this extra demand, which inevitably will follow.

“So I believe that we have pushed that as far as it can be pushed without creating other problems for all of the other patients in terms of access… I’m not anticipating nor will I be asking government for a further expansion in this coming Budget.”

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GPs who accept medical cards or GP visit cards

GPs providing medical card and GP visit card services:

• Medical card GPs
• Over 70s GP visit cards GPs
• Under 8s GP visit cards GPs

If your GP of choice is not on the list, they might not currently be accepting additional patients.

If you apply online we will contact your preferred GP and ask them to accept you on to their list.

If you’re applying manually, and you’ve had a medical or GP visit card in the last 6 months, let us know on the form if you’re happy to stay with the same GP that you’re already with.

If you can’t get a GP to accept you on their patient list, try another GP in your area.

If you are applying for a medical card and 3 GPs have declined to accept you, contact us. We will assign you a GP.

Page last reviewed: 20 January 2023

Free GP visit cards: How to apply as six and seven year olds become eligible

The plans to grant six and seven year olds free GP visit cards, which were laid out in Budget 2023, were targeted for the beginning of April and will grant wider access to free healthcare

• 11:15, 3 APR 2023

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Many children aged six and seven can now go to the GP free of charge following the expansion of visitor cards.

The changes were deadlined for the beginning of April and will benefit thousands of eligible children. The budget plans also allow for households with a median income of less than €46,000 to access free GP healthcare .

Kids under the age of six are already entitled to free GP appointments, as well as home visits and out of hours urgent care. You can ensure your child won't miss out on the scheme by following several steps.

READ MORE : Cost of living: Barnardos say parents can't see 'way out' amid current crisis

If a child is already in receipt of a medical card, they won't need to apply for the new scheme. Here are some details about how to get a card.

How can I apply for the free card?

Parents will need their child's PPS number in order to get access to a card, as well as their choice of participating GPs. It's worth noting that not all GPs will take part in the scheme- a list of clinics who accept free visit cards is available here .

This list will also tell you whether a participating GP accepts online registrations. If they do, applications can be made online via the HSE's website .

Previously, paper applications for children aged under six could be made by downloading a form from an online link. Parents or other applicants need their GP's signature on the form before sending it to GP Visit Card – Under 6s, PO Box 12629, Dublin 11. The same format may apply as access for six and seven year olds gets underway.

What groups are eligible for a free GP visit card ?

There are other cohorts besides children that are entitled to a free GP visit card. Anyone aged over 70 can participate in the scheme, without an income test applying.

For those aged under 70, income assessment determines a person's eligibility. The weekly income limits for those considering a free GP visit card are listed below.

If someone is aged over 70 with dependants below the age threshold, their dependants may also qualify for the scheme. This is dependant on a family's income levels.

People on the Carer's Allowance, either at full or half rate, are entitled to a free GP visit card. Further information on getting access to a free card is available online .

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View your GP health record

Your GP health record includes information about the care you've had from your GP surgery.

When you view your record online, you may only see information that was added recently. If you need to see older information, you'll have to ask your GP surgery to make it visible.

What's not in your GP record

information kept by other services (such as hospitals, dentists and opticians) that has not been sent to your GP – to get this information, you'll need to contact these services directly

How to see all the information in your GP health record

When you view your GP health record online, you should be able to see any information that was added recently.

If you need to see older information in your record (historic record information), you'll have to ask your GP surgery to make it available online.

You can either:

• email or call your GP surgery and tell them you want to see historical information in your online GP health record
• mention it to a receptionist at the surgery when you go for your next appointment

Let your GP surgery know if you only need access to something specific in your record (such as previous test results). This can be quicker than getting access to your full historic record.

The surgery will consider your request and make sure there are no issues with making the information available to you (for example, if it could put you or someone else at risk of harm). This can take a few weeks.

If there are no issues with making this information available, you'll be able to see it when you view your GP record online.

View your GP health record using your NHS App or account

You can view your GP health record using the NHS App or by logging into your account on the NHS website.

You can create an account if you do not already have one.

To view your GP record online, you must be:

• registered with a GP surgery
• aged 16 or over

When you create an account, you'll need to prove your identity before you can view your GP health record. This helps keep your record secure.

Use other GP online services and apps

You may be able to use other GP online services and apps to view your GP record.

Some services and apps are only available in certain areas. Ask your GP surgery which you can use.

Contact your GP surgery

You can ask for your GP record at your GP surgery. They can give you a printed copy of your record or send you a digital version.

Viewing someone else's GP health record

Find out about accessing someone else's medical records

Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP surgery if:

• you're unable to see your record
• information is missing or has disappeared from your record
• you can only see very recent information in your record and you need to see older information
• there's incorrect information in your record
• you can see information that should not be there (for example, you can see information that's not yours)
• you do not want to be able to see your record
• someone is pressuring you for information in your record

Email or call the surgery, or speak to a receptionist at the surgery when you go for your next appointment.

Page last reviewed: 8 November 2023 Next review due: 8 November 2026

Android Police

How to activate a metro by t-mobile sim card.

You can choose the option that works best for you

Transferring from one wireless carrier to another or getting a new phone means activating your SIM card before accessing your 5G data. If you have one of the compatible Metro by T-Mobile Android phones , activating a SIM card is easy. You can use several methods, such as activating it online or having a customer service representative handle it. Regardless of your choice, the process only takes a few minutes. This guide shows you how to activate a physical SIM card or eSIM on your Metro by T-Mobile device.

What's the difference between a physical SIM and an eSIM card?

A physical SIM has been the traditional form of SIM card used since the first mobile wireless carrier networks. When switching to a new wireless carrier or getting a new phone, you typically request a physical SIM card. It can come in various sizes, ranging from the largest original standard size to the most modern and smallest nano SIM. Some carriers may send you a free SIM card with a new device purchase, or you may need to buy a SIM card kit.

When you get the SIM card, insert it into the tray on your device and activate it. The SIM card has important information stored on it, such as your unique identifier that connects you to a specific network, your phone number, and an authentication key unique to your SIM card.

How to enable SIM lock on your Android phone

An eSIM (embedded SIM) card does everything a physical SIM card does, except it's built into a device — a virtual SIM card. So, rather than inserting a physical card, you'll scan a QR code to download your carrier information and activate your profile over Wi-Fi. Compared to a physical SIM card, eSIM cards are more secure since they can't be removed or tampered with.

Many smartphone device makers and wireless carriers are pushing eSIM cards more than ever. This is the modern way of activating a SIM card on a new device, and it will likely replace physical SIM cards. The possibility of removing the physical SIM card tray from our devices is no longer a far-fetched idea.

How to set up a new Metro phone with a SIM card

As with many wireless carriers, you may need to purchase a new device from its store or get a compatible SIM card. As a new customer, you must pick a phone plan and set up your Metro by T-Mobile account. After you complete that and receive your phone and SIM card, use the activation website to activate your new phone. The sections below go over the steps to activate a new phone and SIM card on Metro by T-Mobile.

Order a new phone and add a SIM card to your cart

To start, you'll need a compatible phone purchased from the Metro by T-Mobile online store. You'll add a phone and SIM card to your shopping cart, pick a new number or port your old one, and choose a data plan.

To order a new Metro by T-Mobile phone and SIM card, do this:

• Choose a new phone from the Metro by T-Mobile website and add it to your cart. New customers often get a phone for free with existing promotions.
• Pick a new phone number or enter your old number to keep using it on Metro.
• Add a SIM card kit to your cart as needed.
• Click the Shopping Cart icon to begin the checkout process.
• Select the Choose a plan button.
• Click the Add to cart button for the plan you want.
• Click the Continue button.
• Fill in your personal information, shipping address, and shipping method.
• Click the Continue button and follow the remaining on-screen instructions.
• Finish the checkout process and wait for your order to be delivered.

Activate your new phone with the SIM card you just got

When your phone and SIM card are delivered, you'll complete a few more steps before activating them. After you insert the SIM card and visit the activation website, enter your phone order details. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to activate the SIM card.

To activate your new phone with the SIM card, check out these steps:

• Insert the SIM card into the dedicated tray on your new phone.
• Go to the Metro by T-Mobile activation website .
• Under the Activate your phone section, click the Find your order button. Use the Get Started button under the Activate your SIM card section if you're an existing customer.
• Enter your order details, then click the Check status button.
• Turn the phone on and follow the on-screen instructions from the activation website.
• Your new phone with a Metro by T-Mobile SIM card is now active.

How to find your Metro by T-Mobile number

How to set up your current phone with a new sim card.

If you don't want to purchase a new device, your current phone might be compatible with Metro by T-Mobile. Your phone must also be unlocked before activating it. If you have a carrier-locked phone, make a device unlock request with that carrier so you can transfer to another carrier.

How to contact Metro by T-Mobile

To activate a Metro by T-Mobile SIM card on your phone, do this:

• Visit the Metro by T-Mobile SIM card website to check if your phone is compatible.
• Locate your phone's unique IMEI number. Dial *#06# from your phone or go to Settings > About phone > IMEI .
• Type the IMEI number from your phone into the box on the website.
• Click the arrow on the right to see if your phone is compatible.
• Follow the on-screen instructions as needed. Then, purchase a SIM card kit and have it sent to you.
• When your SIM card kit arrives, create a Metro by T-Mobile account and fill out your information.
• Follow any remaining on-screen instructions.
• Your old phone with a Metro by T-Mobile SIM card is now active.

How to find your Metro by T-Mobile transfer PIN

How to set up your compatible phone with an esim card.

If you want to skip ordering a new phone or Metro by T-Mobile SIM card, activating an eSIM is the way to go. As long as your phone is new, it likely supports eSIM cards. You'll scan a QR code and wait for activation, which typically only takes a few minutes.

To activate a Metro by T-Mobile eSIM card, do this:

• Create a Metro by T-Mobile account and fill out your information. There is an eSIM section with a QR code for your account.
• Open the Settings app on your phone.
• Scan your Metro by T-Mobile QR account code using your phone.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.
• Your phone with a Metro by T-Mobile eSIM card is now active.

How to transfer E-Sims between Android phones

Visit an official metro by t-mobile retail location.

If you've never activated a SIM card or don't want to mess with the extra steps, go to a Metro by T-Mobile store. A customer service representative can help you decide if you need a new phone or if you can keep your old one. They will then walk you through the steps to activate a SIM card and should take care of the rest.

You will likely need account information from your previous wireless carrier and a device transfer PIN. They can help with that part, too. This method is the easiest for those who prefer interacting with customer service instead of self-serve online tools.

There's more than one way to activate a SIM card on Metro by T-Mobile

Whether you get a new phone with a physical SIM card or keep your old one using an eSIM , you can control how you activate it. If doing everything yourself is overwhelming, go to a physical retail store and ask for help. They will walk you through activating a SIM card and answer other questions you may have. No matter which method you choose, activating your phone with a Metro by T-Mobile SIM card is straightforward.

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Examples of calculating eligibility for GP visit card for under 70s

Introduction, example 1: single person with no children who is working and renting, example 2: a couple with no children, example 3: a couple with 2 children, example 4: a one parent family with 1 child, example 5: a couple with 3 children, more information.

A GP visit card gives you free visits to a participating family doctor (GP). The HSE increased the weekly income basic rate for the GP visit card for under 70s on 11 September 2023 and again on 13 November 2023 .

If your income is above the HSE set basic rate for your circumstances, you may still qualify for a GP visit card after you include allowable expenses , for example, mortgage payments, childcare costs and rent.

You can check what income and expenses the HSE include in the means test for GP visit cards and medical cards for under 70s .

This page shows examples of calculating income and expenses for a GP visit card for under 70s. You automatically quality for a GP visit card if you are aged over 70 or under 8 or getting Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance , at full or half-rate

From 13 November 2023, this person could be eligible for a GP visit card if their weekly income is below €768.

A couple with no children who are both working and are renting together.

From 13 November 2023, this household could be eligible for a GP visit card if their combined weekly income (after tax) is below €932.

A couple with 2 young children in childcare, where both parents are working, they have a family home with a mortgage.

From 13 November 2023, this household could be eligible for a family GP visit card if their combined weekly income (after tax) is below €1,402.

If the children are aged under 8 they are already eligible for a GP visit card for children under 8 .

A lone parent with one young child in childcare where the parent is working and renting.

From 13 November 2023, this person could be eligible for a GP visit card if their weekly income (after tax) is below €1,148.

If the child is aged under 8 they are already eligible for a GP visit card for children under 8 .

A couple with 3 children, one aged 10 and one aged 17 in school. The third child is aged 21 and in college. Both parents are working and they pay a mortgage on the family home.

From 13 November 2023, this household could be eligible for a family GP visit card if their combined weekly income (after tax) is below €1,102.50.

You can read more information, including how to apply for a GP visit card or the GP visit card for children aged under 8 . Check if you are eligible for a medical card .

If you are aged under 70 find out about the means test for a medical card or GP visit card for under 70s.

You can find more information on the medical card and GP visit card on the HSE website. You can find further detail in the HSE Assessment Guidelines for medical cards and GP visit cards .

The HSE has information on financial assessment.

Related documents

• GP visit cards for children under 8 Children under 8 are entitled to free visits to participating GPs. Find out how to register for the GP visit card for children. 3367.4067
• Under 70s means test for medical card and GP visit card How your income is assessed for the medical card and GP visit card if you are under 70 years of age. 3298.941
• Services for medical card and GP visit card holders Family doctors (GPs) provide certain services to medical card and GP visit card holders free of charge. 3086.464

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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