Under the Long-Term Illness Scheme (LTIS) you can get some drugs, medicines and medical appliances for free.
Medical conditions covered
The conditions covered by the scheme are:
- Acute leukaemia
- Cerebral palsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes insipidus
- Diabetes mellitus (Gestational diabetes not included)
- Epilepsy
- Haemophilia
- Hydrocephalus
- Intellectual disability (mental handicap)
- Mental health condition - people age 16 and younger
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinsonism
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Spina bifida
- Thalidomide conditions
Who can apply
Anyone who is living in Ireland and intends to live here for at least 1 year can apply.
To show that you live in Ireland, send a copy of one of these with your application:
- a utility bill dated within the last three months - gas, electricity or phone
- a recent bank statement or credit card statement
- a current car or home insurance policy in the applicant's name
- an official document from a government department, the Revenue or a local authority
There is no means test for the scheme.
If your application is successful, you will get a Long-Term Illness Scheme card. This card replaces the Long-Term Illness Scheme green book.
Check the status of your application
When you apply and provide a mobile number, we text you your reference number. If you do not provide a mobile number, we post the reference number to you.
You can use your reference number to check the status of your application online.
Problems with your card
Contact us if your:
- card is lost, stolen or damaged
- card is out of date
- details change
Long-Term Illness Scheme,
Client Registration Unit,
PO Box 12962,
Dublin 11,
D11 XKF3
Phone 0818 224 478 or email clientregistration@hse.ie