Over 140,000 people had medical cards taken in 2025
Figures from the HSE show over 140,000 people lost their medical cards last year.
140,070 people lost their medical cards in 2025, figures from the HSE through the Freedom of Information Act show.
100,603 had their medical cards removed, the figures seen by BreakingNews.ie show. This can be due to not responding to the HSE, or an insufficient response, such as not having the required documentation.
23,895 medical cards were not issued due to the person being deceased, while 9,989 people lost their cards due to not being eligible.
5,583 people no longer had their medical cards as they were removed by their GP.
In July, the HSE announced it has paused issuing plastic medical cards due to a cyber attack.
If you have a medical card, you don't have to pay to see your GP, or for most medicines they prescribe.
The medical card also covers inpatient and outpatient services, eye and ear tests, and dental checks.
A spokesperson from the HSE said: "During 2025, eligibility for almost 1...
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