Help with health costs
Many people pay for NHS prescriptions, dental care or sight tests when they don’t need to. Answer a few quick questions to see which exemptions and schemes you may be entitled to.
Are you under 16, aged 16–18 in full-time education, or aged 60 or over?
Do you (or your partner) receive Income Support, income-based JSA/ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or qualifying Universal Credit?
Are you pregnant or have you had a baby in the last 12 months?
Do you have a long-term medical condition (e.g. diabetes on medication, epilepsy, cancer) that needs continuous treatment?
Do you take HRT (hormone replacement therapy) medicines regularly?
Do you pay for 4+ prescription items in 3 months, or 12+ in a year?
Are you on a low income with limited savings, but not on the benefits listed above?
Do you travel to NHS hospital or specialist appointments and find the cost hard to manage?
You usually get free NHS prescriptions if…
- You are under 16, or 16–18 and in full-time education
- You are 60 or over
- You are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months (with a valid MatEx certificate)
- You have a listed medical condition with a valid medical exemption (MedEx) certificate
- You receive Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- You receive Universal Credit and meet the earnings thresholds
- You have a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- You or your partner receive a listed war pension or disablement benefit (for related treatment)