If you have a medical card or a Doctor Visit Card (DVC) and are considering weight loss injections such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Saxenda, you may be wondering whether these treatments are covered. Here is what you need to know about weight loss injections and medical card coverage in Ireland.
Are Weight Loss Injections Covered by Medical Card?
Currently, most weight loss injections are not covered by the medical card in Ireland. Medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are approved for weight management, but they are not included on the HSE’s General Medical Services (GMS) reimbursement list for weight loss purposes. This means that even with a full medical card, you will typically need to pay for these medications privately.
There is one important exception: if you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, certain GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic (semaglutide) may be covered under the medical card for diabetes management — though not specifically for weight loss.
How Much Do Weight Loss Injections Cost in Ireland?
The cost of weight loss injections in Ireland varies depending on the medication prescribed and your pharmacy:
- Wegovy — approximately €200 to €300 per month
- Mounjaro — approximately €200 to €350 per month
- Saxenda — approximately €250 to €350 per month
These costs cover the medication only. You will also need a GP consultation and prescription, plus regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Can Your GP Prescribe Weight Loss Injections?
Yes. Your GP can assess whether weight loss injections are appropriate for you, based on your BMI, medical history, and any underlying conditions. Not everyone is a candidate — these medications are typically prescribed for patients with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or pre-diabetes.
At Clarius Health, our GPs offer structured weight loss consultations that include a full health assessment, discussion of medication options including GLP-1 injections, and an ongoing monitoring plan. We take a medical approach to weight management — no fad diets, just evidence-based treatment.
What to Expect at a Weight Loss Consultation
During your initial consultation, your GP will review your weight history, current medications, blood pressure, and relevant blood tests. If weight loss injections are suitable, your GP will write a prescription and schedule follow-up appointments to track your progress.
You do not need a referral — you can book directly with your GP. Clarius Health offers weight loss consultations at all three of our Dublin clinics:
- Clarius Health Camden — 35 Camden Street Upper, Dublin 2
- Clarius Health Crumlin — Kildare Road, Dublin 12
- Clarius Health — Cabra Medical Centre — 109 Cabra Road, Dublin 7
Other Weight Loss Support Options
Weight loss injections are one option, but they work best as part of a broader plan that includes dietary changes and increased physical activity. Your GP can also discuss alternatives such as lifestyle counselling, dietitian referrals, and managing underlying conditions that may be contributing to weight gain.
If you are interested in exploring whether weight loss medication is right for you, book a weight loss consultation or contact us to learn more. You can also read our guide to weight loss injections in Ireland for more background on how these medications work.
