Registering with a GP in Ireland

The honest reality: finding a GP who is accepting new patients in Dublin, Cork, and other urban areas is difficult. Many practices display "not accepting new patients" on their websites and will not take registrations without a personal connection to an existing patient.

The further you are from a major city, the easier it becomes. If you are in a commuter town or rural area, most practices will accept new registrations.

How to search

• Use the HSE GP finder to locate practices near your home or work. Filter by accepting new patients where possible.
• Contact 5–10 practices near you by phone or email. Ask directly: "Are you accepting new patients?" Do not rely on websites, which are often out of date.
• Ask your employer, colleagues, or neighbours. Word-of-mouth works well and sometimes a personal introduction from an existing patient opens a spot.
• Check whether your employer has an occupational health service — some large companies provide this for free as part of employment benefits.

For most new arrivals, you will initially attend as a private patient. Private GP consultation fees in Ireland are not regulated, so prices vary between practices.

Prescription charges on top: private patients pay full medication cost. Medical card holders pay a capped dispensing fee of €1.50 per item (max €15 per month for individuals, €25 for families).

A medical card covers GP visits, prescription costs (capped), hospital care, dental care, and other health services at no or minimal cost. Eligibility is income-based.

Income thresholds (indicative, 2026)

Source: HSE Medical Card guidelines, 2026. Thresholds are adjusted periodically; verify current limits before applying.

A GP Visit Card covers GP visits only (not other medical costs) for those with income slightly above the medical card threshold. It is easier to qualify for and is available to all children under 8 regardless of income.

Apply for either card through hse.ie or through your local HSE Local Health Office. You need your PPS number, proof of income, and proof of address.

While you are searching for a registered GP, walk-in clinics provide non-emergency healthcare at broadly similar private rates. No appointment needed. Most are open seven days a week including evenings.

Main walk-in clinic networks in Ireland

For emergencies, go to the Emergency Department (ED) of your nearest public hospital. ED visits are €100 per visit for adults without a referral letter (free with a referral or medical card). Do not use the ED for non-emergency situations — waiting times can exceed 8 hours.

When a practice agrees to accept you as a new patient, they will ask you to complete a registration form. This typically includes:

• Your name, date of birth, and Irish address.
• Your PPS number.
• Your medical card or GP Visit Card number (if applicable).
• Previous GP details (name and address) — for requesting your medical records.
• Any known allergies, current medications, and significant medical history.

Once registered, you can book appointments by phone, via the practice's online system, or through apps like Doctify or the practice's own patient portal. Most practices offer both in-person and telephone consultations.

Request a transfer of your medical records from your previous GP in your home country. Having your vaccination history and chronic condition records available to your Irish GP avoids repeat tests and ensures continuity of care.