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.