At current cigarette prices, a pack a day costs thousands a year, so quitting is one of the biggest savings available.
Quick facts
- Quit Plan
- Free, 7 to 12 weeks
- Nicotine replacement
- Free from the HSE
- Quitline
- 1800 201 203
- Referral
- Not needed
- Prescription medicines
- Usually not free (DPS helps)
What's free
"If you are living in Ireland and want to stop smoking, you can get free support to quit from the Health Service Executive (HSE)." "You can get free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) from the HSE." It comes as "Patches Gum Lozenges Inhalers Mouth sprays".
You get it through "A stop smoking adviser who can arrange for you to get it through your GP or a participating pharmacy The HSE Quitline on 1800 201 203 Your GP if you have a medical card".
The Quit Plan
"The Quit plan is free and runs for 7 to 12 weeks. You can sign up yourself. You do not need a referral from your doctor." You get one-to-one support, texts or emails, group sessions and check-in calls.
"Prescription treatments to help you stop smoking are usually not free. However, the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) can help you with the cost of prescription medicines." "The HSE does not recommend vaping as a way to stop smoking."
Common questions
Can I get free nicotine patches in Ireland?
Yes. The HSE provides free nicotine replacement therapy through a stop-smoking adviser, the Quitline on 1800 201 203, or your GP if you have a medical card.
Do I need a GP referral for the HSE Quit Plan?
No. You can sign up yourself; it's free and runs for 7 to 12 weeks.
Are stop-smoking tablets free?
Usually not, but the Drugs Payment Scheme can help with the cost.