Help with NHS health costs

Advice and Information - 9 June 2025

You could be eligible for help with the cost of NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, eyecare, travel to receive NHS treatment and NHS wigs and fabric supports.
A green prescription form on a wooden surface. On top of the form is a blister pack of tablets, some loose tablets, and a pen.

Find out if you’re eligible using the free eligibility checker at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check

Downloads

Help with NHS health costs leaflet
Download (PDF 1.1 MB)

If you’re not automatically entitled, the eligibility checker will show you the help available, including the:

NHS Low Income Scheme
Provides help with health costs for families on a low income. Apply online or find more information at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/lowincomescheme

NHS maternity exemption certificate
Entitles you to free NHS prescriptions if you’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months. The certificate can also be used to prove entitlement to free NHS dental treatment. Ask your doctor, midwife or health visitor to apply. Find more information at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/matex

NHS medical exemption certificate
Entitles you to free NHS prescriptions if you have a certain medical condition or physical disability. Check the medical conditions list at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/medex
Ask your doctor to apply.

NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs)
Provides help with NHS prescription costs. If you pay prescription charges a PPC could save you money.

  • 3 and 12 month PPCs
    Covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price. Find out more and buy online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc
  • HRT PPC
    Covers certain hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicines for 12 months. Find out more and buy online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc

Checks are made on claims for free NHS prescriptions and free and reduced cost NHS dental treatment. If you claim for free treatment that you're not entitled to, or that you don't hold an exemption certificate for, you could have to pay a penalty charge.

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