Who can get free NHS prescriptions? A guide to exemptions, certificates and help with costs in England
Most prescriptions in England carry a standard charge, but some people are entitled to free prescriptions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the criteria and how to check your eligibility.
1. Age based exemptions
You are automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you are:
- Under 16
- 16, 17 or 18 and in full time education
- 60 or over
If your date of birth is printed on your prescription, you do not need to provide proof of age. If you are 16, 17 or 18 and in full time education, you may need to show proof of your education status.
2. Medical conditions
Some medical conditions qualify for free NHS prescriptions. You must have a valid NHS Medical Exemption Certificate. These include:
- Cancer, including the effects of cancer or its treatment
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Chronic stoma appliances such as colostomy bags
- Permanent fistulae such as ileostomy
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- If you take hormone replacement therapy medication
For the full list and details on how to apply, visit the NHS website for information on medical exemption certificates
3. Pregnancy and recent birth
If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you can claim free NHS prescriptions with a valid NHS Maternity Exemption Certificate.
Ask your doctor, midwife or health visitor to apply. The certificate is valid for 12 months from your baby’s due date or birth date.
4. Income based benefits
You are automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you or your partner receives any of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Universal Credit (only if your total take-home pay in the last assessment period was £435 or less, or £935 or less if you get an element for a child or have limited capability for work)
If you are receiving contribution-based benefits (such as contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance), you’re not automatically entitled to free prescriptions. However, you can apply for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
5. NHS Low Income Scheme
If you are not automatically eligible, you can apply for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
If you qualify, you will receive a HC2 certificate (which stands for Full Help with Health Costs). This gives full help with health costs, including free NHS prescriptions. Your partner and dependent children under 19 named on your claim will also be covered while the certificate is valid.
Apply and find out more about the NHS Low Income Scheme on the NHS website.
6. War Pensioners and Armed Forces Compensation
If you have a valid War Pension or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme exemption certificate, you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions related to your accepted medical condition.
To apply, contact Veterans UK on 0808 1914 218.
7. Prescription Prepayment Certificate
If you pay for NHS prescriptions, you could save money by buying an NHS Prepayment Certificate. This is also known as a PPC. It covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price. If you have a valid 3 or 12-month NHS Prepayment Certificate, you can claim free NHS prescriptions. This scheme is particularly useful if you receive regular medications, more than once monthly.
For more information or to buy a PPC, visit the NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate page on the NHS website.
To determine if you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions, use the NHS eligibility checker.
If you’re unsure whether you’re entitled, it’s advisable to pay for your prescription and ask pharmacy staff for an NHS receipt and refund form. This is known as an FP57. If you find out later that you were entitled and have proof, you can apply for a refund within three months of paying the charge.
If you have an exemption and use a regular pharmacy, let your pharmacy know so they can record it on their system. Please keep a copy of your certificate (on your phone or printed out) to show the pharmacy when needed.
Acknowledgement
Healthwatch North Yorkshire would like to thank local community pharmacists across York and North Yorkshire, as well as Community Pharmacy North Yorkshire, for helping to put together this article about NHS prescriptions, exemptions, certificates and help with costs.
Community Pharmacy North Yorkshire is the local representative body for community pharmacy contractors. It supports pharmacies across the county, represents their interests and works with NHS organisations and partners to improve pharmacy services for patients.
