If you pay for HRT now, the fix is usually one form: register for the Drugs Payment Scheme online.
Quick facts
- Cost
- Free
- Since
- 1 June 2025
- Need
- Medical card or DPS registration
- Prescription from
- GP, registered nurse or midwife
- Where
- Participating pharmacies
- DPS registration
- Anyone ordinarily resident
Who gets it free
"Since 1 June 2025, you can get free HRT from a pharmacy participating in the free HRT scheme if you have a prescription from a GP, registered nurse or midwife and you:" "Are registered for the Drugs Payment Scheme , or Have a medical card".
"Before 1 June 2025, you may have had to pay a prescription charge for medical card holders or a dispensing fee." Not any more.
No medical card? Register for the DPS
"You can apply for a Drugs Payment Scheme card if you are ordinarily resident in Ireland." That means you live here and intend to for at least a year. "If you do not have a medical card or a Drugs Payment Scheme card, you will have to pay for prescribed HRT drugs and medicines."
Check your pharmacy is in the scheme: the HSE website lists participating pharmacies.
Common questions
Is HRT free in Ireland?
Yes, since 1 June 2025, at participating pharmacies, if you have a medical card or are registered for the Drugs Payment Scheme and have a prescription.
Do I need a medical card to get free HRT?
No. Registering for the Drugs Payment Scheme is enough.
Who can prescribe HRT for the free scheme?
A GP, registered nurse or midwife.
What if I don't have a medical card or DPS card?
You'll have to pay for prescribed HRT. Registering for the DPS fixes that.