Getting a same-day GP appointment in Ireland can be challenging with many practices booked weeks in advance. However, online telehealth services have made it possible to see a doctor the same day.
First: Is This an Emergency?
Before booking any appointment, rule out the situations that should not wait for one. Call 112 or 999 for chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, severe bleeding, or a seriously unwell child. If your own GP is closed and the problem is urgent but not an emergency, the out-of-hours GP co-op system covers most of the country.
The GP Appointment Crisis
Many Irish patients wait days or even weeks for a routine GP appointment. That delay can mean worsening symptoms, avoidable A&E visits, and missed work while a treatable problem goes untreated.
How to Get a Same-Day Appointment
Online doctor services like GetYourGP offer same-day appointments 7 days a week. Here's how it works:
What Same-Day Appointments Cover
Same-day online appointments can address:
- Prescription renewals
- Some infections that can be assessed remotely, such as suspected UTIs
- Skin conditions
- Sick certificates for work
- Travel health advice
A chest infection or anything affecting your breathing may need an in-person examination — the GP will tell you if that is the case, and where to go.
Cost Comparison
- Private in-person GP: typically €50–70 per visit, with availability often days to weeks away
- Online GP consultation: €35 during normal hours (Monday–Friday, 08:00–17:00) or €50 outside them, usually same day — see pricing
- Emergency department without a referral: a €100 statutory charge can apply, and non-urgent cases face long waits
Our guide to GP visit costs in Ireland breaks these figures down properly, including who pays nothing.
Book Your Same-Day Appointment
If your problem is one a doctor can assess by video, book a same-day online consultation and see an Irish-registered GP today. Have your medical history and any medication names ready — it makes the consultation faster and more useful.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Shahnawaz, a General Practitioner registered with the Irish Medical Council. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.