Thread: Medical Cards for EU Citizens

I was wondering if there were any experts on medical cards out there. I have been looking at the various info pages on the net relating to EU citizens but have to admit am still a little unsure as to how it might relate to my situation. Dont really want to to write down too much personal info in open forum about my particular cirsumstances so was wondering if anybody in the know about this question would allow me to ask a question via a persoanl email>? If so would be good to hear from you. Many Thanks, this forum is fantastic ! John

There are very strict income restrictions on the issue of medical cards for Irish citizens. If you fulfil the habitual residency rules and fall into the income category you might qualify. However, if you are UK citizen I think that there may be a reciporal agreement with the UK which may enable you to bypass the habitual residency requirement but your income will have to fall within the limits, unless you are in receipt of a social security pension for another EU state.

Under European Union (EU) Regulations pensioners living in Ireland who are receiving a social security pension from another EU state are granted a Medical Card, provided they are not employed or self-employed here, and are not receiving an Irish social security pension.

While there is no means test for people entitled to a Medical Card under EU Regulations you will have to give details about your income in order to establish that your application rightly comes under EU Regulations. If you have unearned income of more than €3,174 per year (€61 per week) you may be regarded as self-employed and would have to satisfy a means test to qualify for a Medical Card.

You will need to obtain Form E121 from the department of social security in the country paying your pension. If you are receiving your pension from the UK you will not require the form but you will need to provide proof that you are receiving a UK pension.

You apply to your local Health Board for the Medical Card.

Appreciate the info, many thanks. My situation is that I am semi retired and not yet in receipt of a state pension ( only 52 ) I will be buying my house outright in Ireland from the proceeds of the sale of my house in England, and will have some residual capital from which I will draw a small income, and will be bringing in about £ 500.00 per month from a rental property I will keep in England. This will be my main income and I am trying to budjet as near as possible what living in ireland will cost me. In your opinion, would this senario entitle me to a medical card ? many Thanks John

Hard to say but probably unlikely in the current economic climate, however, there is some agreement in place for UK citizens to receive free medical cover if they are in Ireland for a limited time frame, six months I think. You might be able to take advantage of this initially. Have a look at this link Register or Login to View this Link it may provide the answers you are looking for.

OK cool. Many thanks indeed.. seems like this is the most complicated element so far in my research !! lol. Appreciate your help. Recon I better concentrate on living a "healthy" life !! :)

Yes the best advice is to avoid what passes for a medical system in Ireland. Keep your registration with you UK doc and if the worst happens you can go back to the UK for treatment.

Sounds like good advice!! Thanks again for all your help !!