Having a chronic disease often means accepting the need to take medication for a long period of time. During childhood and early teenage years NHS prescriptions are free. However, when leaving education or turning 19 years old, the sudden regular cost of prescriptions may come as a shock.
This webpage provides you with all the information you need to know about medication charges.
Who gets free prescriptions?
Certain groups of people are entitled to free prescriptions. It is important to confirm your eligibility before claiming to have an exemption as there can be a £100 fine to those who incorrectly claim to be exempt from charges.
Groups entitled to free prescriptions include those:
- Aged under 16
- Aged 16-18 and in full time education
- Aged 60 or over
- Receiving Income Support
- Receiving Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Receiving Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Receiving Child Tax Credit
- Receiving Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit paid together
- Receiving Working Tax Credit including a disability element
- Holding a valid maternity exception certificate
- Holding a valid medical exception certificate
- Holding a HC2 certificate
- Holding a valid war pension exemption certificate receiving a prescription for the related disability
What is a HS2 certificate and how can I get one?
The NHS low-income scheme can help people on low incomes with NHS costs. A HC2 certificate entitles you to full help with NHS costs including NHS prescription charges as well as other health services.
To apply you must fill out a HC1 form which can be found at the following website:
Alternatively, you can get the form at most pharmacies, NHS hospitals, GP practices and Job Centre Plus Offices.
Who qualifies for a medical exemption certificate?
You can apply for a medical exemption certificate if you have one of the following medical conditions:
- a permanent fistula (for example, caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) which needs continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
- any renal dialysis patient who has a permanent fistula (permanent means lasting indefinitely) that requires an appliance or surgical dressing is entitled to medical exemption if they have completed application form FP92A and a doctor has signed the form to confirm the condition
- a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s Disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
- diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism
- diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
- hypoparathyroidism
- myasthenia gravis
- myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement)
- epilepsy which needs continuous anticonvulsive therapy
- a continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without the help of another person
- cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment
If you are entitled to a medical exemption certificate your doctor will provide you with a form to fill out. Once your application is received you should receive your certificate within 10 days.
I need to pay for my prescriptions, how can I save money?
Prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)
A prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) involves paying for your prescriptions in advance via direct debit. It is available as a 3-month or 12-month certificate, and will save you money if you need more than one prescription item per month.
If you need:
- two items each month – save over £100 with a 12-month PPC
- three items each month – save over £200 with a 12-month PPC
- four items each month – save over £300 with a 12-month PPC
There are a variety of ways to get your prepayment certificate including online:
By telephone, on:
Or you can collect the form from your local pharmacy/GP surgery and return it to the below address:
NHS Help with Health Costs
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 2DE
I think I am entitled to a refund, how do I apply for this?
When paying for your prescription at the pharmacy you must ask for a FP57 refund form. You obtain this form at the time you pay for your prescription in order to claim a refund. Instructions on how to claim your refund are found on the FP57 form.
Other useful information
NHS Business Services Authority
Provides all information about help with NHS costs.
NHS choices
Provides detailed information regarding help with NHS costs.
Last reviewed 05 September 2024