The NHS offers a range of exemption certificates and support schemes to help people with the cost of prescriptions, dental care, and other health costs. See below for what you may be entitled to.
NHS Maternity Exemption Certificate
If you’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions and dental treatment with a maternity exemption certificate. Get your maternity exemption certificate instantly by email. It entitles you to free NHS prescriptions.
Ask your midwife or health visitor about the digital maternity exemption certificate today.
Visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/matex
Medical Exemption Certificate
If you have a qualifying medical condition or physical disability, you may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
To apply for your NHS medical exemption certificate, ask your doctor or GP to start the process.
Without this certificate, you cannot claim free NHS prescriptions, even if you have a qualifying condition.
If you claim free prescriptions without entitlement or a valid exemption certificate, you may receive a penalty charge of up to £100.
Visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/medex to check the full list of qualifying conditions.
Help with NHS Costs
Although most NHS treatment is free, there are some costs patients might need to pay. This includes NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, eye care, travel to receive NHS treatment and NHS wigs and fabric supports.
People can check if they’re eligible for help with these NHS costs using the eligibility checker at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check
If they aren’t automatically eligible, people on a low income could get help though the NHS Low Income Scheme.
For more information visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HC1
Students
If you’re a student, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Even if you’re working part-time or receiving a student loan, you could still qualify based on your overall income.
Although most NHS treatment is free, there are some costs that patients might need to pay. This includes NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, eyecare, travel to receive NHS treatment and NHS wigs and fabric supports.
Visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check
Free NHS Prescriptions
Are you missing out on help? Free NHS prescriptions are available for eligible individuals and families.
If you’re not automatically entitled, you’ll be shown other help available.
If you claim free NHS prescriptions when you’re not entitled, you could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100.
Check before you tick www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check
Patient Exemption Checking
- Not all benefits entitle people to free or reduced cost NHS dental treatment. Find out if you’re entitled using the online eligibility checker:
- Are you entitled to free NHS dental treatment? Use the online eligibility checker to find out what you’re entitled to. Learn more: www.nhs.uk/CheckBeforeYouTick
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Are you prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? You could save with an HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate if you pay more than 2 HRT prescription charges within 12 months.
- The Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC) is now available to reduce the cost of HRT prescriptions. Find out more: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc
Universal Credit
People claiming Universal Credit and other benefits are being encouraged to use the NHS eligibility checker to check if they’re exempt from paying certain NHS charges.
The eligibility checker, available at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check, tells you within minutes if you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment and help with other health costs.
If you’re not automatically entitled, the eligibility checker will show other help available, such as the NHS Low Income Scheme.
If you claim free NHS prescriptions or free or reduced cost NHS dental treatment that you’re not entitled to, you could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100.