If you have one of 16 listed conditions, the Long-Term Illness Scheme gives you free medicines for it, whatever your income. Here is how to apply with your doctor's help.
The numbers
Freeapproved drugs and appliances for your condition
16conditions covered by the scheme
Postsend the signed form to the HSE in Dublin 11
1 yearyou must plan to live in Ireland for at least this long
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme gives you free drugs, medicines and appliances for one of 16 listed conditions. Your GP or hospital consultant signs the HSE (Health Service Executive) application form, and you post it to the HSE with proof you live in Ireland.
Do you qualify?
There is no means test, so your income does not matter. You must live in Ireland and plan to stay for at least 1 year. You must have one of these conditions:
- Acute leukaemia
- Cerebral palsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes insipidus
- Diabetes mellitus (not gestational diabetes)
- Epilepsy
- Haemophilia
- Hydrocephalus
- Intellectual disability
- Mental illness in people under 16 (autism alone does not count)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Parkinsonism
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Spina bifida
- Conditions caused by thalidomide
What you need
- The Long-Term Illness Scheme application form, from the HSE website, your local health centre, or by phoning 0818 224 478
- Section 2 of the form completed by your GP or hospital consultant, with their signature, stamp and Medical Council number
- Copies of your prescriptions for the condition
- A recent medical report from your consultant, if you have one
- For diabetes mellitus: lab results showing your HbA1c level
- Proof you live in Ireland, such as a utility bill from the last 12 months, a recent bank statement or an official letter from Revenue or a government department
Step by step
- Download the form from the HSE apply page, or ask for a copy at clientregistration@hse.ie.
- Fill in Section 1 with your personal details, GP details and residency. A parent or guardian signs for a child.
- Name your pharmacy in Section 1C if you want. This is optional.
- Tick the SMS box and give your mobile number to get your reference number and updates by text.
- Ask your GP or consultant to complete and sign Section 2, listing your diagnosis and medicines.
- Post the form and documents to Long-Term Illness Scheme, Client Registration Unit, PO Box 12962, Dublin 11, D11 XKF3.
- Track your application at mymedicalcard.ie using your reference number.
- Use your digital card in the HSE Health App, or the letter with your card details, at the pharmacy.
How much it costs and how long it takes
€0
for approved medicines for your condition, with no prescription charge. Other medicines are paid for as normal.Source: citizensinformation.ie
16
conditions on the list. Illnesses not on it are not covered.Source: www2.hse.ie
The HSE does not publish a processing time. Check every section is filled in before you post it. No change to the scheme was announced in Budget 2027.
Which scheme helps with medicine costs
| Scheme | Who it is for | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Illness | People with one of 16 conditions. No means test. | Free approved medicines for that condition only |
| Drugs Payment Scheme | People living in Ireland without a medical card. No means test. | Your family pays no more than €80 a month |
| Medical card | Depends on your circumstances | Medicines for all conditions |
Source: HSE, Citizens Information
Common mistakes
- Expecting all your medicines to be free. Only approved items for your listed condition are covered.
- Sending the form without your doctor's stamp and Medical Council number in Section 2.
- Leaving out HbA1c results for a diabetes application.
- Applying for gestational diabetes. It is not covered.
- Thinking the LTI card rules out a medical card or GP visit card. You may qualify for those too.
If something goes wrong
- Long-Term Illness Scheme: 0818 224 478, or clientregistration@hse.ie.
- HSE Live: Freephone 1800 700 700, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm.
- Aids and appliances you need may have to be applied for through your local HSE office.
- Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Related guides
- How to get a Drugs Payment Scheme card
- How to apply for a medical card or GP visit card
- How to claim tax back on medical expenses
- How to apply for Disability Allowance
Recent changes and what to check
To check
No change to the scheme was announced in Budget 2027. The HSE reviews its LTI page next in December 2028.
