Prescription Exemptions

You are eligible for free NHS prescriptions if you:

  • are 60 years or over
  • are under the age of 16
  • are between 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 (MatEx)
  • have a medical condition with a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
  • have a continuous physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
  • 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.

Free prescriptions for certain medical conditions

  • 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

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.

Maternity exemption certificates are credit-card-size cards.

To apply for a maternity exemption certificate, contact your doctor, midwife or health visitor.

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.

Find out more about maternity exemption certificates.

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

How can I claim a refund on a prescription charge?

Ask the pharmacist, hospital or doctor for the refund form (FP57) when you pay for your prescription. You cannot get one later.

You must apply for a refund within 3 months of paying the prescription charge.

If you receive Universal Credit and meet all the criteria to be entitled to help with health costs but did not get a refund form (FP57), contact the NHS Business Services Authority. They’ll consider applications for refunds on a case-by-case basis.

If you paid for a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) and have become exempt from paying for prescriptions, you may be able to get some or all of the money back for your PPC.

The NHS Business Services Authority website explains how to claim a refund for the PPC fee.