# Children's health | Healthcare | Moving to Ireland > Children in Ireland have access to a range of healthcare services. Many of these services are free, while some require payment. Source: https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/childrens-health/ Healthcare · Step 5 of 6 # Children's health For Parents 2 min read · Updated 13 September 2026 Children in Ireland have access to a range of healthcare services. Many of these services are free, while some require payment. General Practitioners (GPs) provide medical care to children and adults. Children are usually brought to a GP by their parents or guardians. Children under 6 years of age are entitled to free GP care under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. All other children are entitled to free GP care under the GP Visit Card Scheme. The GP Visit Card Scheme covers the cost of GP consultations for children under 16 years of age. There are no income restrictions for children. Public health nursing services are available to all children. Public health nurses provide a range of services, including health screening, health promotion, and advice and support on child health and parenting issues. Services are provided free of charge. Child health clinics provide a range of services to children under 6 years of age, including developmental assessments, health screening, immunizations, and advice and support on child health and parenting issues. Services are provided free of charge. Children are entitled to a range of hospital services, including inpatient care, outpatient care, and diagnostic services. Hospital services are provided free of charge to children under 6 years of age. Children aged 6–16 years of age are entitled to free hospital care, but there may be charges for some services. Children over 16 years of age are treated as adults in the hospital system. Children with disabilities are entitled to a range of services, including assessment, therapy, and support services. These services are provided by the [Health Service Executive (HSE)](http://www.hse.ie) and are free of charge. Dental care is not free for children in Ireland. Children are entitled to a dental examination once a year, free of charge, under the HSE Dental Treatment Service Scheme. Some other services, such as fillings and extractions, are also available under the scheme, but charges apply. Overall, children in Ireland have access to a range of healthcare services, many of which are free. Parents or guardians should ensure that their children are registered with a GP and attend regular check-ups and appointments to help ensure that they receive the best possible care. ![](https://www.movingtoireland.co/apple-touch-icon.png) You have read 28% of this guide ## Keep reading in the Moving to Ireland app The rest of **Children's health** — about 1 minute more — is in the app, free to download, alongside 98 other guides and a checklist built around your own move. [Download free on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) iPhone and iPad · no account needed ## More on healthcare [All 6 guides in this section](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/) - ### [Irish Healthcare System](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/irish-healthcare-system/) The healthcare system in Ireland is a complex mix of public and private services, with the government providing the majority of funding. Ireland's… 2 min read - ### [Find a GP](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/general-practitioners-in-ireland/) General Practitioners (GPs) are the primary healthcare providers in Ireland. They are usually the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical… 2 min read - ### [Emergency Health Services](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/emergency-health-services/) In Ireland, emergency health services are operated by the Health Service Executive (HSE). If you require urgent medical attention, there are several… 2 min read - ### [Medical Insurances](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/healthcare/medical-insurances/) Health insurance in Ireland is an important consideration for those looking to protect themselves and their families against unexpected medical expenses… 2 min read Keep going ## Get the full healthcare roadmap in the app Moving to Ireland turns 99 guides into a personal checklist. 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