Members of An Garda Síochána face unique pressures, physically, mentally, and financially. Between long shifts, frontline duties, and high-risk situations, unexpected medical costs can add up quickly.
That’s where the Garda Medical Scheme comes in.
This guide explains how this scheme works, what’s covered, how to claim, and what serving members and their families need to know.
What is the Garda Medical Scheme?
Garda Medical Scheme provides valuable support, particularly when it comes to GP consultations. It covers free GP visits for serving members only.
If you’re a serving Garda member, you can benefit from free GP visits, while your family members may also qualify for partial reimbursement under the St. Paul’s Garda Medical Aid Society.
Free GP Consultations for Serving Garda Members
According to the Suffolk Street Surgery–Garda Medical Scheme:
“As an active member of An Garda Síochána, you are eligible for GP consultations at no personal cost.”
This benefit is funded through Garda Medical Scheme and applies only to serving members.
Retired members are not eligible for this GP benefit.
The state pays your GP directly, so you do not need to make any upfront payment for a standard consultation.
This ensures quick access to everyday medical care without financial stress, which is especially important given the demanding nature of Garda work.
How to Claim Your GP Benefit
Even though the payment is made directly to the GP, you must still submit a properly completed claim form to ensure smooth processing.
Your claim must include:
- Full name
- Date of consultation
- Badge number
- Attending GP’s name
- Your signature
Submitting incomplete details can delay processing, so double-check everything before you send your form.
What Is (and Isn’t Covered)
The Garda Medical Scheme covers the standard GP consultation only.
This means:
Covered
- Routine GP visit
- General assessment
- Medical advice provided during consultation
Not Covered
Extra services performed during the GP visit, such as:
- Blood tests
- ECGs
- Procedures
These items are not included and may carry additional charges.
GP Coverage for Family Members
While free GP visits apply only to the serving members, family members can receive partial reimbursement.
This partial reimbursement is provided through St. Paul’s Garda Medical Aid Society, which is a separate voluntary medical aid scheme for Garda members and their dependents.
It offers additional healthcare support beyond the Garda Medical Scheme’s free GP benefit for serving members.
Standard Cover For Family Members Under the Garda Medical Aid Society
For eligible dependents, the scheme covers:
- 70% of the consultation cost, up to a maximum of €40 per visit.
- Maximum of 30 consultations per family per year
This helps reduce the cost of routine care for spouses and children.
Special Rates For Children Under 6 and Adults Over 70
For children under 6 and adults over 70 who do not qualify for the HSE’s Free GP Visit Scheme, the Garda Medical Aid Society provides:
- 60% of consultation cost
- Up to maximum of €20
This provides additional support for age groups that require more frequent GP visits.
Claim Requirements
To process family member claims, you must submit an itemised GP receipt that clearly includes:
- GP’s name
- Patient’s name
- Date of consultation
- Cost of consultation
Incomplete receipts may be rejected, so make sure all details are visible.
Tip: Ask your GP reception to include all required details to avoid claim delays.
How Garda Medical Aid Fits with HSE Schemes & Private Health Insurance
Many Garda members use a combination of the Garda Medical Scheme, St. Paul’s Garda Medical Aid Society, HSE schemes, and private health insurance. Each one plays a different role and does not replace each other.
Can Garda Medical Aid Replace Private Health Insurance?
Garda Medical Aid (St. Paul’s) doesn’t replace private health. It is designed as a medical expenses refund scheme, not an insurance policy.
Private health insurance covers the “big-ticket” items like private hospital treatment, surgery, and consultant’s fees.
How Does It Work Alongside a Medical Card / GP Visit Card?
If a member or dependent has a Medical Card or GP visit card, those benefits are used first.
GP visit card = free GP appointments
Medical Card = free GP visits + prescriptions + hospital charges waived
Then, St. Paul’s only reimburses costs not covered by the HSE.
When Does HSE Cover Take Priority?
HSE schemes always take priority.
Order of cover is:
- HSE
- Private Insurance
- Garda Medical Aid (St. Paul’s)
Convenience for Serving Members
Serving Gardaí benefit from direct payment, which means GP visits are paid directly from the State to the GP.
This saves time and avoids any out-of-pocket costs for routine care.
If you need help with membership, reimbursement, or dependants, consider contacting your Garda Medical Scheme representative or practice administrator.
What Happens When You Retire?
When a Garda member retires, the free GP consultation benefit under the Garda Medical Scheme ends, as it applies only to active serving members.
However, you can remain in St. Paul’s if you were covered pre-retirement and keep paying subscriptions.
Retired members must pay for GP visits upfront and then claim reimbursements from St. Paul’s according to its benefit rules.
Given the demanding nature of Garda work, having accessible GP care ensures members stay healthy and supported. Understanding what’s covered in the Garda Medical Scheme, and how to claim it, helps you make the most out of your entitlements.
Disclaimer:
This article is for information purposes only and is not an official statement of An Garda Síochána, St. Paul’s Garda Medical Aid Society, or any government body. Benefits, reimbursement rules, and eligibility criteria may change. Always refer to the official Garda Medical Scheme documentation or contact your scheme administrator for the most up-to-date information.
Last Updated: December 2025
