These are the GLP-1 injections people ask about most. Whether the State pays depends on two things: which medicine, and what it is prescribed for. This page sets out where each one stands, from the HSE's own statements, and what you can do in the meantime.
Quick facts
- Ozempic for type 2 diabetes
- Covered: medical card and Long-Term Illness
- Mounjaro for weight loss
- Not covered yet: under HSE assessment
- Wegovy for weight loss
- Not covered yet: under HSE assessment
- Paying privately
- 20% tax back if prescribed
Ozempic for type 2 diabetes: covered
If you have type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is reimbursed. The higher dose was added in May 2026: "Ozempic 2mg has been approved for reimbursement in Ireland from May 1 for type 2 diabetics under the Long-Term Illness scheme and the General Medical Services scheme". See the Long-Term Illness Scheme guide for who qualifies.
Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss: not covered yet
The makers have applied to the HSE, and the applications are still going through its pricing and reimbursement process. In February 2026 the HSE told the Dáil: "Both applications remain under consideration with the HSE." and "The HSE cannot make any comment on possible outcomes from the ongoing process."
In October 2026 it was still undecided: "The HSE Drugs Group met yesterday and considered the drug Mounjaro, but no recommendation has been yet made to the HSE Senior Leadership Team on whether public patients should get it." We will update this page when the HSE decides.
Does the Drugs Payment Scheme cap cover it?
The cap only applies to medicines on the HSE's list: "Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, you and your family only have to pay a maximum of €80 each month for approved prescribed drugs and medicines, and certain appliances." and "The HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service has a list of medicines or aids provided under the Drugs Payment Scheme."
So a medicine that is not on the list, such as Mounjaro for weight loss today, does not count towards the cap. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a prescription is on the list.
Paying privately? Claim 20% back
Revenue's health expenses relief covers prescribed medicines: "You can also claim relief on the following if you are prescribed, referred or advised to, by a practitioner: drugs and medicines". Revenue's list names no medicine as an exception, so a prescribed weight-loss injection is treated like any other prescription.
Relief is at the standard rate, 20%, and you claim it in myAccount. Keep your pharmacy receipts. See can I claim tax back on…? for the full list.
Common questions
Is Mounjaro free on the medical card in Ireland?
Not for weight loss. The HSE is still assessing it, and no decision had been made as of October 2026.
Is Ozempic free on the medical card?
Yes, for type 2 diabetes, on the medical card and the Long-Term Illness Scheme. Not for weight loss.
Does Mounjaro count towards the Drugs Payment Scheme €80 cap?
Only medicines on the HSE's reimbursement list count towards the cap, and Mounjaro for weight loss is not on it yet.
Can I claim tax back on Mounjaro or Ozempic?
Yes, if a doctor prescribes it and you pay for it yourself. Prescribed medicines qualify for health expenses relief at 20%.