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Free HRT Scheme

The cost of HRT medicines is covered by the State for anyone with a prescription.

Last checked July 2026

What it is

Since 1 June 2025 the cost of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicines is covered for anyone with a prescription, to help with the menopause. You still need a Drugs Payment Scheme card or a medical card, and a small pharmacy dispensing fee of around €5 an item can still apply, but the medicine itself is free.

Who can get it

You have a prescription for HRT
You have a Drugs Payment Scheme card or a medical card
You are getting it dispensed in a participating pharmacy

Good to know

It has been free since 1 June 2025, so anyone who checked before that date and gave up is working off old information.
The medicine itself is covered, but a dispensing fee of roughly €5 an item can still apply.
You still need a Drugs Payment Scheme card or a medical card, so it is worth checking you actually have one.

How to apply

Applications go through HSE. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.

Go to the official page →

Checked against the official source on 26 July 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.

Questions people ask

Is HRT free in Ireland?

Yes. Since 1 June 2025 the State covers the cost of HRT medicines for anyone with a prescription.

Do I still pay anything for HRT?

A dispensing fee of around €5 per item can still apply, but the medicine itself is covered.

Do I need a medical card to get free HRT?

You need either a medical card or a Drugs Payment Scheme card.

When did free HRT start?

1 June 2025.

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