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Long-Term Illness Scheme

Under the Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme you can get some drugs, medicines and medical appliances for certain medical conditions for free.

It is different to a medical card. A medical card covers all conditions and usually involves a means test. There is no means test for the LTI Scheme.

How to apply for the Long-Term Illness Scheme

Medical conditions covered

The conditions covered by the LTI scheme are:

  • Acute leukaemia
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Diabetes insipidus
  • Diabetes mellitus (Gestational diabetes not included)
  • Epilepsy
  • Haemophilia
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Intellectual disability
  • Mental illness - people under the age of 16 years
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Parkinsonism
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU)
  • Spina bifida
  • Thalidomide - conditions from the use of this drug

Page last reviewed: 19 December 2025
Next review due: 19 December 2028