HSE Drug Payment Scheme — How It Works (2026)
How the HSE Drug Payment Scheme caps your monthly medication cost in Ireland, and how to register.
What it is
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) caps the cost of approved prescription medicines for an individual or family per calendar month. Once you spend up to the threshold (currently €80 per month per family in 2026 — confirm current cap), the HSE covers the rest.
Who is eligible
Any person ordinarily resident in Ireland who is not covered by a Medical Card or Long-Term Illness scheme. You register with the HSE via your local pharmacy or online at hse.ie.
What it covers
- Most prescription medicines on the HSE reimbursement list
- Some appliances and dressings
It does not cover over-the-counter products, private-only medications, or those not on the HSE reimbursement list.
How online prescriptions work with DPS
An Online Doctor sends your prescription to a HealthMail-registered pharmacy. If the medication is on the DPS reimbursement list and you are registered, the cap applies just as for any in-person prescription.
Other related schemes
- Long-Term Illness scheme — free medicines for specific listed conditions
- Medical Card — free medicines and primary care for those who qualify on means/age
FAQs
How do I register?
Does the cap reset each month?
Are private prescriptions included?
Can I use DPS at any pharmacy?
Cost of consultation?
Speak to an Online Doctor
Same-day video and phone consultations across Ireland, €34.99.