Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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199. To ask the Minister for Health if medication required while abroad can be covered by the medical card scheme in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27343/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Medical Cards cannot be used outside of Ireland.  As medical cards are only valid in the Republic of Ireland a person cannot apply for a refund of medicines purchased abroad.

Anyone travelling abroad within the EU should apply for a EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) before they travel. The card ensures that a person will get the same access to necessary medical treatment under public sector health care (e.g. a doctor, a pharmacy, a hospital or a health care centre) as nationals of the country they are visiting. The Department would also advise taking out adequate travel insurance before any trip abroad.