The Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) means that no individual or family in Ireland pays more than a set monthly amount for approved prescribed drugs, medicines, and certain appliances for use in the community. The monthly threshold is €80, where it has been since March 2022 (it was reduced from €114 to €100 and then to €80). Budget 2027 (October 2026) did not change the threshold.
The scheme is not means-tested — it is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland who does not have a medical card. It covers you, your spouse or partner, your children under 18, and dependent children aged 18–23 in full-time education. Drugs must be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist, and be on the DPS list. Registration is free through your pharmacy or the HSE; your pharmacy keeps a running total and stops charging once you reach the monthly cap, so using the same pharmacy within a month is simplest.
All persons ordinarily resident in Ireland without a medical card. Drugs must be on the approved reimbursement list. Register at your pharmacy or HSE.