prescriptions
You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:
are 60 or over
are under 16
are 16 to 18 and in full-time education
are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate.
have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate.
have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate.
hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
are an NHS inpatient
You’re also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
Income Support
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Universal Credit and meet the criteria
If you’re entitled to or named on:
a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate – if you do not have a certificate, you can show your award notice. You qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both), and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.
Read more about who can get free NHS prescriptions.
Check you’re eligible for free prescriptions
There’s a simple way to find out if you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions and any help with other NHS costs.
Free prescriptions for certain medical conditions
People with certain medical conditions can get free NHS prescriptions.
Medical exemption certificates are credit-card-size cards. They are issued if you have:
cancer, including the effects of cancer or the effects of current or previous cancer treatment
a permanent fistula (for example, a laryngostomy, colostomy, ileostomy or some renal dialysis fistulas) requiring continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
hypoparathyroidism
myasthenia gravis
myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
a continuing physical disability that means you cannot go out without the help of another person (temporary disabilities do not count, even if they last for several months)
Find out more about medical exemption certificates.
How to apply for a medical exemption certificate
Ask your doctor for an FP92A form to apply for a medical exemption certificate.
Your GP will sign the form to confirm that your statement is correct. At your GP’s discretion, a member of the practice who has access to your medical records can also sign the form.
Your certificate will be valid from 1 month before the date the NHS Business Services Authority receives the application form.
The MedEx lasts for 5 years and then needs to be renewed. You may receive a reminder that your certificate needs to be renewed.
If you do not receive a reminder, it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s renewed.
Check if your exemption certificate is valid
How to apply for a medical exemption certificate
Ask your doctor for an FP92A form to apply for a medical exemption certificate.
Your GP will sign the form to confirm that your statement is correct. At your GP’s discretion, a member of the practice who has access to your medical records can also sign the form.
Your certificate will be valid from 1 month before the date the NHS Business Services Authority receives the application form.
The MedEx lasts for 5 years and then needs to be renewed. You may receive a reminder that your certificate needs to be renewed.
If you do not receive a reminder, it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s renewed.
Free prescriptions for pregnant women
If you’re pregnant or have had a baby in the past 12 months, you get free prescriptions if you have a valid maternity exemption certificate.
To apply for a maternity exemption certificate, contact your doctor, midwife or health visitor.
Your certificate will be sent to you by email or in the post.
The certificate will last until 12 months after the expected date of birth of your baby.
If your baby’s born early, you can continue to use your certificate until it expires.
If your baby is born late, you can apply for an extension.
If you apply after your baby is born, your certificate will last for 12 months from your baby’s birth.
Free prescriptions if you have a low income.
If you have a low income, you may be eligible to receive financial help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
To apply for an HC2 certificate, complete form HC1, which is available from Jobcentre Plus offices or most NHS hospitals. You might also be able to get an HC1 form from your doctor, dentist or optician.
You can also get an HC1 form by calling 0300 123 0849.
You qualify for a full help HC2 certificate (which includes free NHS prescriptions) if your income is less than or equal to your requirements, or your income is greater than your requirements by no more than half the current English prescription charge.
You qualify for a limited help HC3 certificate if your income is greater than your requirements by more than half the current English prescription charge.
The HC3 certificate shows how much you have to pay towards your health costs.
Certificates are usually valid for between 6 months and 5 years, depending on your circumstances.
Find out more about the NHS Low Income Scheme and all the other ways to get free prescriptions by going to www.nhs.uk