Thread: Medical Card

I am an Irish citizen recently returned to live permanently in Ireland after over 30 years in the UK. I am still employed in Britain, but work from Ireland (internet), therefore still pay UK taxes and NI contributions. I have recently received my first PPS number and want to apply for an Irish Medical Card. I also have an EU medical card, but I believe this is just for temporary medical care when in another European country. Do I qualify for one automatically?
I am a woman in my early fifties and recently separated; I have no dependants.
One final thing - I haven't put this to my employer yet, but is it an easy matter for my employer to send my pay to an Irish bank or Cedit Union? I still have my UK bank account, but have a Postbank (going soon) for Direct Debits for utilities. I already pay UK taxes and don't want to pay Irish taxes as well. Or, should I still be paying UK taxes as I don't live there anymore?
Whatever help/advice I get will be gratefully received.
Thank you.

I think you are confusing the European Health Insurance Card which entitles EU citizens to emergency treatment while on holiday in another EU country with the Irish Medica Card.

To qualify for a medical card your weekly income must be below a certain figure for your family size. Cash income, savings, investments and property (except for your own home) are taken into account in the means test.

These income limits are
Single person living alone aged under 66 is €184 per week. Unless you are a social welfare recipient I think you will have to be paying PRSI to be eligible. Have a look at Register or Login to View this Link
for more details.

There should be no problem with your employer paying your salary directly into an Irish bank, or alternatively, you could make withdrawals from your UK bank using your ATM machine.

You will need to check with revenue regarding tax and the taxation agreements between the UK and Ireland. You will need to check with the Deparment of Social Protection regarding your PRSI liability.

Many thanks for your swift response. I will look in to the regulations, but I think there is an EU agreement re tax. Will check into it more.