Long-Term Illness Scheme
Free approved medicines and medical appliances for the listed condition you have, with no means test.
Last checked October 2026
What it is
Free medicines, appliances and aids for a FIXED list of 16 conditions, with no means test and no prescription charge for what it covers. The thing people trip on is that list. Whatever the name suggests, the scheme covers the conditions on it and nothing else. The conditions are acute leukaemia, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus (gestational diabetes is excluded), epilepsy, haemophilia, hydrocephalus, intellectual disability, mental illness in someone under 16, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, parkinsonism, phenylketonuria, spina bifida and conditions arising from thalidomide. If your condition is not on that list, this is not your scheme, and a medical card or the Drugs Payment Scheme is the route instead. It does not depend on your income.
Who can get it
- You have one of the 16 conditions on the HSE list
- You live in Ireland and intend to live here for at least one year
- Your GP or consultant provides a medical report for your application
- Your income does not matter. There is no means test
- The HSE page lists these 16 conditions: acute leukaemia, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, haemophilia, hydrocephalus, intellectual disability, mental illness in people under 16, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, parkinsonism, phenylketonuria, spina bifida and conditions arising from the use of thalidomide. Gestational diabetes is not included.
- The scheme covers the medicines and appliances the HSE has approved for your condition. The HSE publishes a list for each condition. If you need a medicine or equipment that is not approved, your community pharmacy can apply for it under the scheme.
- A medical or surgical appliance, such as an insulin pump, comes from your local health office. Consumable appliances such as syringes, needles and diagnostic strips come from your community pharmacy.
- It is not a medical card. A medical card covers all conditions and usually involves a means test. This scheme covers only the listed conditions and has no means test.
How to apply
Download the application form from the HSE page. You can also phone 0818 224 478 or email clientregistration@hse.ie and ask for a form by post. Send the completed form to the Long-Term Illness Scheme, Client Registration Unit, at the address on the HSE page. Include a medical report from your GP or consultant. Include proof that you live in Ireland. The HSE accepts a utility bill from the last 12 months for gas, electricity or phone, a recent bank or credit card statement, a current car or home insurance policy in your name or an official document from a government department, Revenue or a local authority.
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
Which conditions does the Long-Term Illness Scheme cover?
Sixteen conditions: acute leukaemia, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, haemophilia, hydrocephalus, intellectual disability, mental illness in people under 16, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, parkinsonism, phenylketonuria, spina bifida and conditions arising from the use of thalidomide.
Is gestational diabetes covered?
No. The HSE list says gestational diabetes is not included. Mental illness is covered only for people under 16.
What does the Long-Term Illness Scheme give me?
Some drugs, medicines and medical appliances for your listed condition, for free. The HSE publishes a list of approved medicines and appliances for each condition.
How do I apply for the Long-Term Illness Scheme?
Download the application form from the HSE page or ask for one by post on 0818 224 478 or at clientregistration@hse.ie. Send it with a medical report from your GP or consultant and proof that you live in Ireland. The HSE application page lists the documents it accepts as proof, for example a recent utility bill or bank statement.
Related guides
- Medical Card
- GP Visit Card
- HSE Fertility Treatment (IVF, ICSI, IUI)
- Free Contraception Scheme
- Drugs Payment Scheme
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