The NHS provides a range of free or subsidised health services that many eligible people never claim. With prescriptions at £9.90 per item, understanding your entitlements matters.
- Who gets free prescriptions
- NHS dental and optical benefits
- Help with health costs
Who gets free prescriptions
Prescriptions are free in England for people aged 60 and over, under 16, aged 16-18 in full-time education, pregnant or having recently given birth, and those with certain medical conditions including diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer.
People receiving certain benefits — Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support — also qualify. If you take several regular medications, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) costs around £111 for 12 months and covers unlimited items.
NHS dental and optical benefits
Free dental treatment is available to under-18s, pregnant women, and those on qualifying benefits. Free NHS sight tests are available to children, those aged 60 and over, and those with certain eye conditions.
Help with health costs
The NHS Low Income Scheme (HC1/HC2) provides help for people on low incomes who do not qualify through other routes.
Bottom line
Check your eligibility and claim every benefit you are entitled to. If you pay for multiple prescriptions, a prepayment certificate could save you significant money each year.