It’s important to follow any treatment you’re given after a stroke, as this is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of another stroke.
Although NHS appointments are free, you may have to pay for some things, such as dental treatment and medication. Many people are entitled to free or reduced charges.
The NHS has a tool to check if you could get help with health costs. You can also ask your GP, pharmacist, dentist or optician.
Free or reduced-cost prescriptions
The rules on who can claim free or reduced-cost prescriptions depend on where you live in the UK.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for everyone. Other health costs such as dental treatment and sight tests are lower or free for some age groups, or if you are on certain benefits or have certain medical conditions. Ask your healthcare professional for more information.
England
In England, prescriptions are free up to the age of 16 (or 18 if you’re in full-time education). They’re also free after the age of 60. There are exemptions for prescription charges and other health costs if you're on benefits or have certain medical conditions. All prescriptions are free while you are a hospital inpatient. Some items are always free, such as some contraceptives.
Penalty charges
There are different rules about who can claim free prescriptions and other health costs in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you claim free treatment you are not entitled to, you may have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100. If you’re unsure what help you are entitled to, you can check online or call the NHS Help with Health Costs helpline on 0300 330 1341.
Exemption certificates for prescriptions in England
In England, you need an exemption certificate to get free prescriptions. You or a healthcare professional have to fill in a form to apply. You may need to show the certificate when you collect your prescription at a pharmacy.
There are different exemption certificates you can apply for, depending on your circumstances. Check what help you can get via the NHS Business Services Authority website.
Medical exemption certificate (MedEx certificate)
You can apply for a MedEx certificate if you:
- Have a permanent disability that means you need support to leave the house.
- Take medication for epilepsy.
- Take medication for diabetes.
Several other health conditions, including cancer, also entitle you to help with health costs. The NHS Business Services Authority has a full list of conditions.
How do I apply?
Ask your GP for the application form FP92A. A GP or staff member at your GP surgery will need to sign the form. The certificate lasts for five years and then it needs to be renewed.
Maternity exemption certificate
Everyone who is pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months is entitled to free prescriptions and free NHS dental treatment.
How do I apply?
Your midwife, GP or health visitor applies on your behalf as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed. You can get a certificate by email right away or in the post within 10 working days.
NHS Low Income Scheme certificate
If you’re not entitled to benefits but you’re on a low income and live in any country in the UK, you can apply for an NHS Low Income Scheme certificate. This can give you help with costs like dental care, travel fares to appointments, eye tests and glasses. In England, it also gives help with prescription costs which are free to people living in the other UK countries.
The Low Income Scheme is means-tested, so you have to provide details about your income and living costs.
If you meet the income criteria, you can either get a HC2 certificate for full help with health costs, or a HC3 certificate for partial help.
How do I apply?
- Apply online via the NHS Business Services Authority website.
- You can fill in form HC1 and post it instead. You can get a form from a Jobcentre, hospital or GP surgery.
Call NHS Help with Health Costs helpline on 0300 330 1341 if you have questions.
Prepayment Certificates (England only)
If you’re not eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) could still save you money if you pay for a lot of prescriptions.
You can buy a three-month certificate for £32.05 or a 12-month certificate for £114.50. The certificate covers you for all of your NHS prescriptions within that time.
How do I buy a PPC?
You can buy one online or call 0300 330 1341.
War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
If you’re aged under 60 and you receive War Pension or Armed Forces Compensation payments, you can claim for health costs relating to your accepted disability.
How do I apply?
Contact Veterans UK on 0808 1914 218 for a form or help making a claim.
Help for people on benefits and Pension Credit
Universal Credit
If you are on Universal Credit, you may be able to get help with health costs, if your take-home pay is below a certain amount.
How do I apply?
You will need to show your Universal Credit award notice to prove your income is under the limit for claiming.
Contribution-based benefits
If you are on New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance or New Style Employment and Support Allowance, you are not automatically entitled to help with health costs, but you may be able to apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Pension Credit
If you are on Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, with or without Savings Credit, you are entitled to free prescriptions and other treatments. If you only get the Savings Credit, you do not automatically get full help with health costs, but you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme.