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This guide will cover help you can receive with your health costs if you have an illness or disability.
If you live in England, you might be able to get help with your health costs if you’re getting certain benefits or have a low income.
If you’re entitled to help with health costs, you can get:
- free NHS prescriptions
- free NHS dental check-ups and treatment
- free sight tests
- free new glasses or contact lenses
- free NHS wigs and fabric supports
- help with travel for NHS treatment
- help with the cost of glasses and contact lenses
For more information about each of these elements, and their eligibility criteria visit the NHS Business Services website.
How to apply for help towards health costs if you have a low income
You can find out more and apply by visiting the Low Income Scheme website.
Apply for a medical exemption certificate
A medical exemption certificate:
- entitles you to free NHS prescriptions
- doesn’t cover dental treatment or help with other health costs
Always check if your medical exemption certificate is valid as you could face a penalty charge of up to £100 if you misuse it. You can check if your medical exemption certificate is still valid.
You can only apply for a medical exemption certificate for certain illnesses or conditions. For the full list of illnesses, visit the NHS Business Services Authority website.
To apply for a medical exemption certificate, ask your GP, hospital or pharmacist for form FP92A. You should receive your certificate within 10 working days.
Prescription prepayment certificates (PPC)
Prescription Prepayment certificates allow you to buy as many NHS prescriptions as you need for a set price. The prescription charge in England is £9.90.
You can get a prepayment certificate which costs:
- £32.05 for 3 months
- £114.50 for 12 months
You can buy this online, in-person at some pharmacies or call 0300 330 1341. You can also ask your doctor’s surgery about ways to buy this.
You can read more about applying for a prepayment certificate on the NHS Choices website.
Further Help and information
