The NHS offers extra medical help and support to those who suffer from specific conditions – and you could also be eligible for a range of free prescriptions or other services
Across the UK, many people could be entitled to free prescriptions or other services. The NHS provides additional medical support for those with certain conditions, including cancer.
However, you don’t necessarily need a chronic medical condition to qualify for free prescriptions. For example, individuals receiving means-tested benefits like Universal Credit may be eligible for a free prescription, depending on their specific circumstances.
Furthermore, a broad range of people could be eligible for free support, so it’s always worth checking with your GP or through the NHS. Here’s a detailed breakdown of who can claim a free prescription.
Eligibility for free prescription
According to the NHS, the following groups can claim a free prescription:
- Are an NHS inpatient
- Aged between 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- Aged 60 or over
- Hold a war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
- Have a specified medical condition and a valid MedEx certificate
- Are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months while owning a valid MatEX certificate
- Have a continuing physical disability that prevents you from going out without help from another alongside a valid MedEx certificate
- Aged 16 and under
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:
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit and meet the criteria
Medical conditions eligible for free prescriptions
Individuals with specific medical conditions qualify for NHS prescriptions. Medical exemption certificates are credit-card-size cards. They are issued if you have:
- hypoparathyroidism
- myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
- a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
- epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
- cancer, including the effects of cancer or the effects of current or previous cancer treatment
- myasthenia gravis
- diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
- a permanent fistula (for example, a laryngostomy, colostomy, ileostomy or some renal dialysis fistulas) requiring continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
- 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)
- diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
How to apply for a medical exemption certificate
To apply for a medical exemption certificate, you should request an FP92A form from your doctor. Your GP will then sign a form to verify that you are eligible for the certificate.
Your certificate will become valid one month before the date the NHS Business Services Authority receives your application form. The MedEx is good for five years, after which it needs to be renewed.
