Most Health Service treatment is free, although there can be charges for some things. Depending on your circumstances, you might get help with the cost of some treatment, services and items. If you're on a low income, you may be able to get help with health service and travel costs. Show
Who can get help with health costsAll prescriptions dispensed in Northern Ireland are free of charge for everyone. This includes medication, wigs and surgical appliances. You do not need to do anything to qualify for free prescriptions as everyone is automatically entitled.
If you are in one of the groups below, you may also be entitled to the following:
Group 1You may be entitled to some or all of the above because of your age (young or old), a medical condition or because you get a War Disablement Pension or hold a War Pension exemption certificate. Group 2You are entitled to all of the above, if you and/or your partner get:
Group 3If you are claiming Universal Credit or if you are on a low income and do not fit into Groups 1 or 2, you may still be able to get help with your health costs. How to claimGroup 1 and Group 2To get help if you are in Groups 1 or 2, fill in the back of your prescription form, or tell your dentist or optician when you go for dental or optical treatment. If you are claiming help with healthcare travel costs or for wigs and fabric supports, tell the hospital and show proof of entitlement. Group 3If you are in Group 3 and want to claim on low income grounds, or before your benefit claim is settled, you need to fill in the claim form HC1 'Claim for help with health and travel costs'. It can be downloaded below or is available from Jobs & Benefits offices or hospitals. Your local doctor, dentist, pharmacist and optician might also have a copy. When you have filled in the form, post it to or hand it in to your local Jobs and Benefits office.
The date the claim form is received in a Jobs & Benefits office is the date the Department for Communities can consider payment from - not the date you downloaded the form. You're also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
If you're entitled to or named on:
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help. Read more about who can get free NHS prescriptions. Check you're eligible for free prescriptionsThere's a simple way to find out if you're eligible for free NHS prescriptions and any help with other NHS costs. Use the eligibility checker. Free prescriptions for certain medical conditionsPeople with certain medical conditions can get free NHS prescriptions. Medical exemption certificates are credit-card-size cards. They are issued if you have:
Find out more about medical exemption certificates. How to apply for a medical exemption certificateAsk your doctor for an FP92A form to apply for a medical exemption certificate. Your GP will sign the form to confirm that your statement is correct. At your GP's discretion, a member of the practice who has access to your medical records can also sign the form. Your certificate will be valid from 1 month before the date the NHS Business Services Authority receives the application form. The MedEx lasts for 5 years and then needs to be renewed. You may receive a reminder that your certificate needs to be renewed. If you do not receive a reminder, it's your responsibility to make sure it's renewed. Check if your exemption certificate is valid Free prescriptions for pregnant womenIf you're pregnant or have had a baby in the past 12 months, you get free prescriptions if you have a valid maternity exemption certificate. To apply for a maternity exemption certificate, contact your doctor, midwife or health visitor. Your certificate will be sent to you by email or in the post. The certificate will last until 12 months after the expected date of birth of your baby. If your baby's born early, you can continue to use your certificate until it expires. If your baby is born late, you can apply for an extension. If you apply after your baby is born, your certificate will last for 12 months from your baby's birth. Find out more about maternity exemption certificates. Free prescriptions if you have a low income.If you have a low income, you may be eligible to receive financial help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. To apply for an HC2 certificate, complete form HC1, which is available from Jobcentre Plus offices or most NHS hospitals. You might also be able to get an HC1 form from your doctor, dentist or optician. You can also get an HC1 form by calling 0300 123 0849. You qualify for a full help HC2 certificate (which includes free NHS prescriptions) if your income is less than or equal to your requirements, or your income is greater than your requirements by no more than half the current English prescription charge. You qualify for a limited help HC3 certificate if your income is greater than your requirements by more than half the current English prescription charge. The HC3 certificate shows how much you have to pay towards your health costs. Certificates are usually valid for between 6 months and 5 years, depending on your circumstances. Find out more about the NHS Low Income Scheme How can I claim a refund on a prescription charge?Ask the pharmacist, hospital or doctor for the refund form (FP57) when you pay for your prescription. You cannot get one later. You must apply for a refund within 3 months of paying the prescription charge. If you receive Universal Credit and meet all the criteria to be entitled to help with health costs but did not get a refund form (FP57), contact the NHS Business Services Authority. They'll consider applications for refunds on a case-by-case basis. If you paid for a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) and have become exempt from paying for prescriptions, you may be able to get some or all of the money back for your PPC. The NHS Business Services Authority website explains how to claim a refund for the PPC fee. You can also call the Department of Health and Social Care publications order line on 0300 123 0849 to order a leaflet. How long does it take to get NHS exemption card?If you're entitled to a certificate because of your medical condition, speak to your GP or doctor. They'll give you an application form. You'll get a paper certificate in the post within 10 working days of us receiving your application.
How do I get a copy of my NHS exemption card?Please contact the appropriate Practitioner Services Exemption Department in the Medical Contact Details section. The Exemption Department will send you a duplicate copy of your exemption certificate to you by post.
Who qualifies for an NHS exemption card?You can apply for a MEDEX if you have a listed medical condition. This entitles you to free NHS prescriptions. If you're entitled to a MEDEX, an FP92a application form will be completed by your doctor or health professional. You'll receive your certificate within 10 working days of us receiving your application.
How do I renew my NHS tax credit exemption certificate?If your NHS tax credit exemption certificate has expired, we will automatically send you a new one providing Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) tells us you still qualify. If you do not qualify, a new certificate will not be sent.
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Why have I not received my NHS exemption card?
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