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Prescribed medication

How we can help

Medicines can be obtained from any pharmacy.  Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  In England, you can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:

• are 60 or over
• are under 16
• are 16-18 and in full-time education
• are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)  
• have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
• have a continuing physical disability that prevents you from going out without help from another person and have a valid MedEx
• hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
• are an NHS inpatient

You are also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partners) are named on, or are entitled to, an NHS tax credit exemption certificate or a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs), or you receive either:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or  
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit 
• Universal Credit Pharmacists can also help you in case of common minor ailments without you having to go and see your GP. 

For more information visit http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Prescriptioncosts.aspx