Do You Need to See a GP?
Answer three quick questions and we'll point you to the right NOVAGP.IE service — one fixed fee, no evening/weekend surcharges, 7 days a week.
Ready when you are
Three questions, about 30 seconds
We'll ask what's troubling you, quickly screen for anything that needs emergency care, and then match you with the right service — with the price up front.
This tool offers general guidance only — it is not a diagnosis and doesn't replace medical advice. When in doubt, book a consultation or contact emergency services.
What this tool does
Many people are not sure whether a health problem needs a doctor, a pharmacy, or urgent care. The checker asks what is troubling you, screens for warning signs, and matches you with the right option. You see the fixed price before you book, with no evening, weekend, or bank holiday fee.
NovaGP serves patients across Ireland. Because the service is online, where you live does not change what you pay or how quickly you are seen. Every consultation is with a doctor who is registered with the Irish Medical Council.
How the symptom checker works
There is no long form and no medical jargon.
Step 1
Tell us what is wrong
Pick the symptom or health concern that is bothering you most.
Step 2
Quick safety screen
The tool checks for signs that may need urgent or emergency care, so you are not left guessing.
Step 3
Get your next step
You are matched to the right NovaGP service, such as a GP video consultation, with the price shown first. Any prescription is decided by a registered GP after a proper clinical assessment, not by the tool.
If the tool spots a possible emergency, it tells you to call 112 or 999 straight away.
What happens after you finish
If your symptoms suit online care, you see your recommended option and its price, then choose whether to go ahead. A GP then assesses you and provides treatment, a referral, or a prescription where it is clinically appropriate.
If your answers suggest urgent or emergency care, the tool tells you not to book an online consultation and to follow the urgent care advice.
Who should use it
Use the checker if you:
- are unwell and not sure if you need a GP
- want to know the likely cost before you book
- have a common health problem that does not feel like an emergency
- would prefer quick guidance from home instead of a waiting room
It suits adults and parents checking on a child. For any child who seems very unwell, trust your instincts and seek urgent help.
Common symptoms you can check
An online doctor can help with many everyday health problems. The tool covers common concerns such as:
- sore throat and tonsillitis
- chest infection and cough
- urinary tract infection (UTI) and cystitis
- sinus pain and congestion
- skin rash and eczema
- hay fever and allergies
- migraine and headache
- cold and flu symptoms
For each of these, NovaGP can offer a consultation with an Irish registered doctor, and a prescription sent to your pharmacy if it is clinically suitable. You can read more on our Conditions we treat page.
When your symptoms need a doctor
Some symptoms are not an emergency but still need review. The HSE advises that you contact a clinician if you are not improving, or if you are worried about your symptoms. You should also see a GP if you need a prescription, a sick certificate, or a referral letter.
Book a GP if you have:
- a cough or chest infection that is not clearing
- a suspected UTI with burning or urgency
- a sore throat that is severe or lasting
- a skin problem that is spreading or painful
- a headache pattern that is new or changing
- hay fever that your usual treatment is not controlling
If your regular GP surgery is closed, the HSE recommends a doctor out of hours service for urgent care. NovaGP gives you another option, with an Irish registered doctor available 7 days a week.
Symptoms you should never ignore
Call 112 or 999 if someone:
- is breathless or struggling to breathe
- is feeling unwell and getting sicker very quickly
- has not passed urine in over 12 hours
- becomes confused or agitated
- is very pale with cold hands and feet
- is dizzy when sitting up, or unable to stand
- has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
Also call 112 or 999 for signs of a heart attack, a stroke, severe bleeding, choking, or if a person is unconscious. For a stroke, the HSE uses the word FAST: if you see face drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech, it is time to call an ambulance.
Do not wait for a rash before you act on possible meningitis or sepsis. These can develop quickly. Trust your instincts and get help.
What the tool cannot do
Being clear about limits is part of safe care. The tool cannot:
- give you a diagnosis
- prescribe medicine on its own
- replace a consultation with a doctor
- assess an emergency
A checker can only point you in the right direction. A diagnosis needs an Irish registered GP who reviews your history and symptoms. Conditions that need a physical examination, blood tests, or scans still need in person care.
When online care may not be suitable
Online assessment is not right for every problem. You may need in person care if you need a physical examination, urgent treatment, a blood test, or a scan, or if your symptoms are severe. If you are not sure how serious a problem is, it is safer to seek in person advice or call your doctor.
Why an Irish symptom checker is different
Many popular symptom tools are built for other countries. They may show services, phone numbers, or costs that do not apply here. The NovaGP tool is built around the Irish system. It uses Irish emergency numbers, Irish GP care, and prices in euro.
It also connects to a real next step. In Ireland, a visit to a public emergency department costs €100 if you are not referred by a doctor, under the Health (Out-Patient Charges) Regulations 2013. There is no charge if your doctor refers you. Where clinically appropriate, a NovaGP doctor may provide a referral letter, which can mean you do not pay the standard €100 emergency department charge.
Frequently asked questions
Check your symptoms now
Answer three short questions and see your next step, with the price up front.
About NovaGP
NovaGP is an Irish online GP service. Consultations are by secure video or phone with GPs registered with the Irish Medical Council, available anywhere in Ireland, 7 days a week. A doctor consultation is €39, with no app and no subscription. Prescriptions, sick certificates, and referral letters are provided where clinically appropriate, and records are stored on EU servers under GDPR. Learn more on our About and How it works pages, or contact us for help.