MORE ABOUT NHS PRESCRIPTIONS
Prescription Costs
For the latest information on prescription costs in the UK, please visit the NHS Health Costs Webpage.
Who is entitled to Free NHS Prescriptions?
You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:
- Are 60 or over.
- Are Under 16.
- Are 16-18 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 specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx).
- Have a continuing physical disability that prevents you from going out without help from another person and have a valid MedEx.
- Hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability.
- Are an NHS patient in hospital (inpatient).
You are also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partners) are named on, or are entitled to an NHS tax credit exemption certificate or a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs), or you receive either:
- Income Support.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
For full details of exemption statuses and the criteria for these exemptions, please see the NHS Health Costs Webpage.