Prescription costs
For the latest information on prescription costs in the UK, please visit the NHS Health Costs Webpage.
You are entitled to get free prescriptions in England:
- If you are aged 60 or over.
- If you are aged under 16.
- If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education.
- If you are pregnant, or have had a baby in the previous 12 months, and have a medical exemption certificate (see below).
- If you have a listed medical condition and have a medical exemption certificate (see below).
- If you are an NHS inpatient.
- If you (or your partner) receive one of the following:
- Universal Credit.
- Income Support.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
- If you are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
- Some war pensioners – if treatment is connected with the pensionable disability.
- People on a low income who have a certificate HC2.
- If you receive Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, you (and your family) may be entitled to help with NHS health costs.
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.
For full details of exemption statuses and the criteria for these exemptions, please see the NHS Health Costs Webpage.