If anyone in the house is on regular medication, this is worth registering for today. The cap covers the whole family together, so €80 a month is the most you pay, about €960 over a year.
Quick facts
- Monthly cap
- €80 for the whole family
- Means test
- None
- Who
- Anyone ordinarily resident, without a medical card
- Children covered
- Under 18, or under 23 in full-time education
- Also gets you
- Free HRT
- Apply
- mydps.ie
Who can register
"You must be living in Ireland and intend to live here for a minimum of one year ( ordinarily resident )." "If you have a medical card , you are not eligible for the Drug Payment Scheme."
One card per person, and the family shares one €80 cap. The family means you and:
- Your spouse or partner
- Your children under 18, or under 23 if in full-time education
- A family member with a disability or mental illness who cannot fully support themselves (with a medical report)
How it works
Show your card, or the digital card in the HSE Health App, when you collect a prescription. The cap covers approved medicines and some appliances. "Appliances covered include positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and rental costs for oxygen."
Stick to one pharmacy each month if you can. "If you use 2 or more pharmacies in one month you may spend over the maximum threshold of €80. If this happens you can apply for a refund of the amount you spent above the €80 threshold."
Cards expire. The date is on the card, and you apply again when it runs out.
Free HRT
"You also need a DPS card to get free Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) ." Since 1 June 2025, HRT is free from participating pharmacies if you are registered. So even if HRT is your only prescription, register.
How to register
"You can apply for the Drugs Payment Scheme online at mydps.ie ." Or by post, on the form from your primary care centre or by calling 0818 22 44 78.
You need PPS numbers for everyone on the card, proof you live in Ireland (such as an electricity bill), and school or college proof for children aged 18 to 23.
New baby? "To add a new baby or a dependant (including your spouse) onto your Drugs Payment Scheme card, email nmcu.cod@hse.ie or call 0818 224 478."
Common questions
How much do you pay on the Drugs Payment Scheme?
No more than €80 a month for you and your family together, for approved prescription drugs, medicines and certain appliances.
Is the Drugs Payment Scheme means-tested?
No. Anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland without a medical card can register.
Can I have a medical card and a DPS card?
No. If you have a medical card, you are not eligible for the Drugs Payment Scheme.
What if I used two pharmacies and paid over €80?
You can apply for a refund of the amount above the €80 threshold, using the refund claim form.
Do I need a DPS card for free HRT?
Yes. Since 1 June 2025, if you are prescribed HRT and registered for the Drugs Payment Scheme, you can get free HRT from a participating pharmacy.
Which children are covered?
Children under 18, or under 23 if they are in full-time education.
- €960 — €80 a month × 12 months = €960, the most a registered family pays for approved prescriptions in a year.