The short answer
Online GP access lets employees speak to a registered Doctor by video or phone, usually the same day, without travelling or taking long periods off work. Employers decide who pays for appointments — the employee, the organisation, or a funded allowance — and some benefits extend access to employees’ families.
How do online GP appointments work?
- The employee books an appointment in an app or online, choosing a time that suits them.
- A registered Doctor calls by phone or video at the booked time.
- The Doctor assesses the concern and may give advice, issue a prescription or refer onward where clinically appropriate.
- If an in-person examination is needed, the Doctor will advise where to go.
ViscaCare members can book same-day online Doctor appointments 8am–10pm, 7 days a week. Learn more about online Doctors in Ireland.
Who provides the clinical care
ViscaCare is a healthcare access and navigation platform. Online Doctor consultations are delivered by suitably registered Doctors through our clinical partner, Health Hero. Ask Mia offers general guidance and healthcare system information, not medical advice or diagnosis.
Why do employers consider providing online GP access?
- Convenience: appointments fit around work and family, without travel.
- Access: in some areas it can take time to get a GP appointment, and some newcomers are not yet registered with a local GP.
- Inclusion: a benefit families and international staff can use, not just a few people.
- Simplicity: no claims for employees to submit.
Employee-funded vs employer-funded appointments
| Model | Who pays per appointment | Typical reason to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Employee | Give everyone access while keeping employer cost low |
| Shared allowance | Employer, up to an agreed amount | Support employees with a predictable budget |
| Fully covered | Employer | Remove cost as a barrier altogether |
ViscaCare Enterprise supports each of these. Pricing is agreed directly with each organisation.
Can families use the benefit?
With ViscaCare Enterprise, employees’ families are included. On employer-funded models, dependants are covered on the same terms as the employee.
What about medical certificates?
A Doctor may issue a medical certificate after a consultation if they judge it clinically appropriate. Booking or paying for an appointment does not entitle anyone to a certificate. See medical certificates and Irish employers.
How does it help international employees?
Employees new to Ireland can speak to a Doctor without first navigating local GP registration. With Ask Mia they can also prepare in their own language and share an English summary with the Doctor. Read healthcare support for international employees.
Common questions
How do online GP appointments work?
An employee books a video or phone consultation with a registered Doctor. The Doctor assesses them remotely and can give advice, issue a prescription or refer them on where clinically appropriate. Some issues need an in-person examination, and the Doctor will say so.
Can an employer pay for employees’ online GP appointments?
Yes. Employers can cover appointments in full, fund a set number, or provide access and let employees pay per appointment.
Can family members use an employer’s online GP benefit?
It depends on the provider. With ViscaCare Enterprise, employees’ families are included and appointment funding follows the same terms as the employee.
Can an online Doctor issue a medical certificate?
A registered Doctor can issue a medical certificate after a consultation if they decide it is clinically appropriate. Booking an appointment does not guarantee a certificate.
Does an online GP benefit reduce absenteeism?
We do not make that claim. What online access does offer is quicker, more convenient contact with a Doctor; outcomes for any individual organisation will vary.
Sources
- HSE — GP services
- Irish Medical Council — Information for the public
- Citizens Information — Sick leave and sick pay
Employment, tax and healthcare rules change. We review these pages regularly, but always confirm details with the official source or your own adviser before relying on them. This page is general information for employers — it is not legal, tax or medical advice.
Build the right health & wellbeing solution for your organisation
ViscaCare Enterprise gives employees and their families online Doctor access, wellbeing support and multilingual help from Ask Mia. You decide who pays for GP appointments, and we talk through what fits your team directly.
Related guides
Online Doctors in Ireland
How online Doctor consultations work in Ireland.
Read moreMedical certificates and Irish employers
Whether online medical certificates are valid and what employers should know.
Read moreHealthcare benefits for SMEs
Practical options for smaller teams without a large budget or HR department.
Read moreViscaCare Enterprise
Build the right health & wellbeing solution for your organisation.
Read more