Free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and other health costs for people who qualify by age, income, benefits, pregnancy or medical condition.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What Free NHS Prescriptions and Health Costs (England) offers
- Quick checker: The online checker takes about 5 minutes.
- Exemption certificates: Maternity and medical exemption certificates are available.
- Prepayment certificate: If you pay, a prescription prepayment certificate can save money.
- Benefits-based help: Some benefits such as Universal Credit (within limits) qualify you.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can get it | People aged 60+ or under 16 (or 16 to 18 in full-time education), on certain benefits, pregnant or recently pregnant, or with certain medical conditions |
| What it covers | Prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests and some other health costs |
| How to claim | Use the online eligibility checker; some exemptions need a certificate |
| Where | Prescription charges apply only in England; prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland |
Key points
Quick checker: The online checker takes about 5 minutes.
Exemption certificates: Maternity and medical exemption certificates are available.
Prepayment certificate: If you pay, a prescription prepayment certificate can save money.
About NHS England / NHS Business Services Authority
Free NHS Prescriptions and Health Costs (England) is run by NHS England / NHS Business Services Authority. Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by NHS England / NHS Business Services Authority.