Drugs Payment Scheme
You or your family pay no more than €80 in a month for approved prescribed drugs and medicines. CPAP machine and oxygen rental count too.
Last checked October 2026
What it is
Caps what your household pays for approved prescribed medicines AND APPLIANCES at €80 a month, at HSE reimbursement prices. The HSE names two appliances outright: rental of a CPAP machine and rental of oxygen both count towards the same €80. The HSE keeps a list of reimbursable items under the GMS and DPS schemes, so ask your pharmacist whether another appliance is on it. There is no means test and anyone living in the Republic of Ireland who intends to live here for at least 1 year can apply. A family is an adult, their partner, any children under 18 or any children aged 18 to 23 in full-time education. It also includes any family member who cannot maintain themselves because of a physical disability, an intellectual disability or an illness. If you paid more than €80 in a calendar month you may qualify for a refund, but only for items bought in a pharmacy with a GMS contract and only up to the HSE reimbursement price.
Who can get it
- You live in the Republic of Ireland and intend to live here for at least 1 year
- There is no means test for a DPS card
- A family is an adult, their partner, children under 18 and children aged 18 to 23 in full-time education. It also includes a family member who cannot maintain themselves because of a physical or intellectual disability or an illness. Include a medical report for that family member
- Anyone over 18 who is not in full-time education must apply for their own card
- The cap is €80 in a calendar month for approved prescribed drugs and medicines. It also covers the rental cost of a CPAP machine and the rental cost of oxygen
- The HSE recommends applying for a card for all your family members. That way the whole family pays no more than €80 in a month
- If you do not have a medical card, a DPS card also gets you free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on prescription from your GP
- If you paid more than €80 in a calendar month you may get a refund, but only for items bought in a pharmacy with a GMS contract with the HSE. Refunds are paid at the HSE reimbursement price. A pharmacy can charge you more. For example, if you paid €90 for an item with a €70 reimbursement price you cannot get €10 back
- Your card has a valid-to date. If it has expired you need to apply again. You can check the status of your card on the HSE website. While plastic cards are delayed, your letter or the HSE Health App shows your card details
How to apply
Apply online on the HSE website. You will need the full name, date of birth, sex, PPS number, address and contact details for everyone on the application. You can also post the application form to Drugs Payment Scheme, Eligibility Unit, PO Box 11745, Dublin 11. Or email a scan or clear photo of the completed form to pcrs.applications@hse.ie. Phone 0818 224 478 to order a form. Your pharmacy may submit a temporary once-off emergency registration, but you must still apply within 3 months.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 7 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much is the Drugs Payment Scheme cap?
€80 a month. If you or your family pay more than €80 in a calendar month for approved prescribed drugs and medicines you can apply for a DPS card. A refund may be available for any extra you paid.
Who can apply for a Drugs Payment Scheme card?
Anyone living in the Republic of Ireland who intends to live here for at least 1 year. There is no means test. A family application can include your partner, children under 18 and children aged 18 to 23 in full-time education.
Does the scheme cover a CPAP machine or oxygen?
It covers the rental cost of a CPAP machine and the rental cost of oxygen, as well as approved prescribed drugs and medicines.
Can I get a refund if I paid more than €80 in a month?
You may. You must register with the scheme first. Complete the refund claim form, include your prescription claim forms or a paid supplier invoice and post it to DPS Refunds, PO Box 12012, Dublin 11. Refunds are paid at HSE reimbursement prices, so you may not get back everything you paid over €80.
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