Certain people are automatically entitled to free prescriptions. Others can obtain an exemption certificate to obtain free prescriptions. In addition, anyone needing regular prescriptions may save money by buying a Prescription Prepayment Certificate.
Who is entitled to get free prescriptions?
If you are under 16 (under 25 in Wales)
If you are under 19 and in full-time education
If you are aged 60 or over
If you (or your partner) receives one of the following:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
If you have an NHS tax credit exemption certificate
Some war pensioners - if treatment is connected with the pensionable disability
If you have a prescription exemption certificate (see below)
People on a low income who have a certificate HC2 (see below)
If you are entitled to free prescriptions, complete the declaration on the back of the prescription and sign it. You may be asked for proof that you are exempt.
Who can get a prescription exemption certificate?
If you are pregnant or have had a child in the past year. Obtain form FW8 from your doctor, midwife, or health visitor to apply for a Maternity Exemption Certificate. The form is sent to the Prescription Pricing Authority who will issue the certificate.
People who have certain medical conditions. Although there are many conditions requiring permanent medication, only the following qualify for an exemption certificate:
A permanent fistula requiring dressing
Forms of hypoadrenalism, such as Addison's Disease
Diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism
Diabetes mellitus except where treatment is by diet alone
Hypoparathyroidism
Myasthenia gravis
Myxoedema (underactive thyroid) or other conditions where supplemental thyroid hormone is necessary
Epilepsy requiring continuous anti-convulsive therapy
Permanent disability, that is, if you cannot leave the house without help.
If you have one of these conditions, obtain form FP92A from your doctor's surgery and fill it in. This is sent to the Prescription Pricing Authority who will issue a Medical Exemption Certificate.
If you have a Maternity Exemption Certificate or Maternity Exemption Certificate, all your prescriptions are free, whatever the medication is for.