Free NHS prescriptions: 11 ways to qualify (most people miss #4)

At £9.90 per item, prescriptions add up quickly. But there are 11 ways to get them free — and many people qualify without realising.

You get free prescriptions if you're:

1. **Under 16** (or under 19 in full-time education)

2. **60 or over**

3. **Pregnant** or had a baby in the last 12 months (apply for a maternity exemption certificate)

4. **On certain benefits**: Universal Credit (with nil or very low earnings), Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

5. **Have a medical exemption certificate** — for conditions including diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, hypothyroidism, and others

6. **A war pensioner** for the condition

7. **An NHS inpatient**

8. **On a HC2 certificate** (full help with health costs) — available if on a low income

9. **On a HC3 certificate** (partial help)

10. **Named on a valid tax credit exemption certificate** (NHS Tax Credit Exemption)

11. **Through a Prepayment Certificate** (PPC) — not free but saves money

The Prepayment Certificate (PPC)

If you don't qualify for free prescriptions but take regular medication:

Buy online at nhsbsa.nhs.uk or call 0300 330 1341.

HC2/HC3 certificates (low income)

If you're on a low income but don't receive qualifying benefits, apply for an **HC1 form** (available from Jobcentres, NHS hospitals, or online). This assesses your income and may give you an HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate.

Check your entitlement

Don't pay for prescriptions if you don't need to. Check at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-if-youre-entitled-help.