can I see a doctor without my parents?
If you are 16 or 17, generally yes. Irish law says your consent to medical treatment at 16 is as effective as an adult’s, and no parent’s consent is then needed. Under 16, doctors are told to get a parent’s consent in general, but to act in your best interests if you won’t involve a parent.
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If you are 16 or 17
The law says the consent of someone who has turned 16 to medical treatment “shall be as effective as it would be if he or she were of full age”, and that “it shall not be necessary to obtain any consent for it from his or her parent or guardian.”
The Medical Council’s guide for doctors says the same: where a young person gives consent to treatment, “it is not necessary to obtain consent from their parent(s)”. It adds that it is good practice to involve parents if you agree to it.
There are exceptions under 18. The guide says a parent’s consent is generally needed for voluntary psychiatric admission, organ or tissue donation, or taking part in medical research.
If you are under 16
The guide says that “in general, the consent of a parent(s) should be obtained” before treating someone under 16. If you don’t want to involve a parent, the doctor should encourage you to. If you still refuse, the doctor should act in your best interests, taking into account things like your maturity and how well you understand the decision.
You can also talk to Childline, free, on 1800 66 66 66.
Will the doctor tell my parents?
Doctors owe young people confidentiality, but they can’t promise absolute secrecy. What the rules say about confidentiality.
Online GPs
Each online GP sets its own age rules for who can book alone. Check them before you book, and read its privacy terms.
Sources: Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, section 23; Medical Council: Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics, 9th edition 2024, paragraphs 22.3 and 22.4; Childline. Checked 29 October 2026.
See a doctor online, no family GP
Video or phone, depending on the provider. From €34.99: the lowest published weekday fee of the 16 online GPs we list.
Compare online GPs from €34.99Your appointment is with the online provider, not your family GP, and the provider’s own privacy terms apply. Doctors owe young people confidentiality, but can’t promise absolute secrecy (what that means). You pay a fee. Under 18? Check the provider’s age rules before you book. Fees from each provider's own site, checked 29 October 2026, listed on gpcompare.ie.