DPS scheme and tax relief
Fertility Treatment is an expensive process in Ireland, and it can add financial strain and stress to individuals and couples. However, there are a few tax relief benefits.
The Drug Payment Scheme:
Fertility drugs are expensive, however, under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) an individual or family will pay no more than €80 each calendar month for the drugs required. Apply for your DPS card, and find out more here.
We recommend choosing one of our nominated pharmacies, as they’re familiar with Sims IVF medications and help reduce stress and confusion.
The pharmacy list is available on Salve, sims.ie or from your nursing team.
Please apply for a DPS card if you don’t have one; it covers most fertility medication costs.
For more information, see:
https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/drugs-payment-scheme/card/
Information for existing DPS holders:
The DPS is not tied to a specific pharmacy, so you can use your DPS card at any pharmacy in the country. However, each pharmacy needs to know your DPS details (including your PPS number and DPS card number) to process your medication under the scheme.
If you change pharmacies, the new pharmacy will need to register your details to claim your medications under the scheme.
If you would like to use a pharmacy recommended by the clinic, the pharmacies below are often used and recommended to our patients:
Once a Hi Tech Script has been dispensed, patients cannot go to another pharmacy for Hi Tech drugs in that calendar month, including top-up doses. Once the month is ended, you are free to transfer to another pharmacy.
Claiming Tax Back On Fertility Treatment:
You can claim tax relief on any fees relating to IVF treatment through the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. The tax relief is given at the standard rate of 20%. Please note you cannot claim expenses back on any expenses that you have already reclaimed elsewhere, e.g. through an insurance policy, compensation claim or from another public or local authority.
Please see a Guide to Tax Relief on IVF & Fertility Treatments for more.
Source: https://www2.hse.ie/services/drugs-payment-scheme/drugs-payment-scheme-card.html
