The effect of differential eligibility for free GP services on GP utilisation in Ireland

► There is extensive international evidence that user fees deter both appropriate and inappropriate health-care demand. ► The Irish health-care system is unusual in requiring the majority of the population to pay out-of-pocket for GP care. ► In 2005 the Irish government extended eligibility for free GP care to a further small subset of the population. ► Using nationally representative data, this paper examines the impact of differential cover on GP utilisation in Ireland. ► Multivariate analysis indicates that GP utilisation is significantly more likely for those with free GP care.