Who Gets Free Prescriptions in the UK?

Understanding who is eligible for free prescriptions in the UK can help you save significantly on healthcare costs. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, and what steps you need to take to secure your eligibility

Eligibility for Free Prescriptions

1. Age

• Who Qualifies?
  Children under 16, or under 18 if in full-time education
• How It Works:
  Eligibility is automatic. Inform your pharmacist of the patient’s age or provide proof of full-time education for those over 16

2. Universal Credit

• Who Qualifies?
  Those earning £435 or less during the last assessment period, or meeting specific criteria for children or disabilities
• How It Works:
  Present proof of Universal Credit with applicable earnings, such as a recent statement, at the pharmacy

3. Over 60s

• Who Qualifies?
  Anyone aged 60 and over
• How It Works:
  Provide proof of age, such as a passport or driver’s license, when collecting prescriptions

4. Diabetics

• Who Qualifies?
  All diabetics requiring medication, such as insulin
• How It Works:
  Apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate using form FP92A, available from your doctor. Present the certificate at the pharmacy

5. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

• Who Qualifies?
  PIP recipients may qualify under other criteria
• How It Works:
  Check eligibility under the Low Income Scheme or other categories and apply using the relevant forms

6. Pregnancy and Postnatal

• Who Qualifies?
  Pregnant women and those who’ve had a baby in the last 12 months
• How It Works:
  Apply for a Maternity Exemption Certificate using form FW8 from your doctor or midwife. Present the certificate when filling prescriptions

7. Cancer Patients

• Who Qualifies?
  Patients receiving cancer treatment
• How It Works:
  Obtain a Medical Exemption Certificate via form FP92A, covering all medications

8. Employment Support Allowance

• Who Qualifies?
  Recipients of income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• How It Works:
  Show evidence of benefit status at the pharmacy

9. Asthma Patients

• Who Qualifies?
  No automatic exemption. Eligibility depends on other factors like income or benefits
• How It Works:
  Apply for the relevant exemption certificate if eligible. Alternatively, consider a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) for regular medications.

Additional Categories

Low-Income Scheme (LIS)

• Eligibility: Low-income individuals not qualifying under other categories
• How It Works: Complete an HC1 form to apply for an HC2 certificate for full help with health costs

Exception Certificates

• Eligibility: Varies by certificate type (medical, maternity, or low-income)
• How It Works: Fill out the specific form and provide proof of your condition or status

Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)

• Eligibility: Available to anyone. Ideal for those needing multiple medications
• How It Works: Purchase a PPC online or at a pharmacy to cover all prescriptions for three months or a year

Students and Young People

• Eligibility: Full-time students aged 18+ must qualify under another category
• How It Works: Apply for the respective exemption or benefit certificate

Additional Considerations

Renewals and Applications

• Keep track of certificate expiration dates and reapply as needed

Regional Differences

• England: Prescription charges apply unless exempt
• Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland: Prescriptions are free for all residents automatically