All Articles
10 min read
Do Disabled People Get Free Prescriptions in the UK? How to Save on Medication Costs
Written by
Purpl
Published on
March 4, 2025
We all know that living with a disability can be expensive, one area that most of us have to manage is the ongoing costs of prescriptions. Some disabled people in the UK will be eligible for free prescriptions but from comments we see on social media this can vary depending on your GP.
This Purpl guide outlines everything you need to know about NHS prescription charges, Medical Exemption Certificates, NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs), and how some disabled people may be able to access free prescriptions.
Understanding all the various options for free and reduced-cost prescriptions means you can access the healthcare you need without financial barriers. If you are unsure about your eligibility, consult your GP or use the available NHS online tools to see which would be the most appropriate route for you.
Purpl accepts no responsibility for the content of third-party websites and cannot guarantee that all these services mentioned may be able to help. Please note that situations and funding change from time to time. Purpl offer this information to be helpful and in good faith.
In this Guide
NHS Prescription Charges in England
Medical Exemption Certificates
Who Qualifies for a Medical Exemption Certificate?
How to Apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate
How Long is a Medical Exemption Certificate Valid for?
Eligibility for Free NHS Prescriptions
Age Based Free Prescriptions
NHS Maternity Exemption Certificate
NHS Low Income Scheme
NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
Universal Credit and Prescriptions
War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate
NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate
Disabled People and NHS Prescription Support
Other Prescription-Related Benefits for Disabled People
How to Avoid Prescription Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Useful Resources
NHS Prescription Charges in England
In England, NHS prescription charges currently stand at £9.90 per item (as of February 2025). We understand that for many of us in the disabled community, costs can quickly add up if you require regular medications. So, being able to save money here can be really beneficial.
For many disabled people, the cost of prescriptions can be a significant financial burden. Fortunately, there are exemptions and support systems in place to reduce or eliminate these costs and today we will go through all of these areas to help you understand your options when it comes to NHS prescription costs.
For people living in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland don’t pay for their NHS prescriptions, however, if you do require prescriptions when in England and meet the criteria for a Medical Exemption you can apply.
What is a Medical Exemption Certificates
A Medical Exemption Certificate entitles you to free NHS prescriptions if you have a qualifying medical condition. The certificate is valid for five years and covers all NHS prescriptions, not just those related to the qualifying condition. You can still collect your NHS prescription for free if you do not have your certificate with you, but it is useful to keep it with you.
Please note: a Medical Exemption Certificate does not cover free dental treatment or help with other NHS health costs.
Who Qualifies for a Medical Exemption Certificate?
You may qualify if you have:
- a permanent fistula requiring continuous surgical dressing or appliance
- certain forms of hypoadrenalism (e.g., Addison’s Disease) requiring substitution therapy
- diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
- diabetes mellitus (except when managed by diet alone)
- hypoparathyroidism
- myasthenia gravis
- myxoedema (underactive thyroid) requiring hormone replacement
- epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
- a continuing physical disability that prevents you from leaving home without assistance
- cancer, including the treatment of cancer and its effects
How to Apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate
If you are entitled to a Medical Exemption Certificate you will need to get an FP92a application form. This form can only be completed by a GP or medical representative who has access to your medical records.
Once you have the form you will need to send it to the following address for processing:
NHS Business Services Authority
Medical Exemption Certificates
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SN
Once approved, you will receive your Medical Exemption Certificate, this can take around 10 days.
If you need an NHS prescription before your medical exemption certificate arrives, you must pay and ask the pharmacy for an FP57 receipt. You can then use this to apply for a refund once you’ve received your Medical Exemption Certificate.
If you live in Scotland and want to apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate in England, speak to your GP and ask them to complete a EC92A form.
If you live in Wales and want to apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate in England, speak to your GP and ask them to complete a FP92W form.
If you live in Northern Ireland and want to apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate in England, speak to your GP and ask them to complete a HC11B form.
How Long is a Medical Exemption Certificate Valid for?
Your Medical Exemption Certificate will be backdated to start one month before the date we receive your application and will normally last for five years and then you will need to renew it.
Once you have your Medical Exemption Certificate you will need to mark the ‘E’ box on the back of your prescription and sign the declaration.
You may need to show your certificate as evidence that your exemption is valid. You can still collect your NHS prescription for free if you do not have your certificate with you.
Mark your calendar for the expiry date, you will need to renew it before it expires to avoid paying prescription charges.
Georgina’s Disability Tips
Eligibility for Free NHS Prescriptions
Besides medical exemptions, there are other ways to qualify for free NHS prescriptions. You can access free prescriptions if you:
- Are aged 60 or over
- Are under 16, or 16 to 18 and in full-time education.
- Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months (with a valid maternity exemption certificate).
- Receive certain income-related benefits, including:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit (if criteria are met)
- Hold an NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate.
- Possess a valid HC2 certificate (full help) under the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Age Based Free Prescriptions
You’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you’re:
- Under 16
- Aged 16-18 and in full time education
- Aged 60 or over
If your date of birth is printed electronically on your prescription, you don’t need to provide proof of your age when claiming free prescriptions. If you’re 16, 17 or 18, you may need to show proof that you’re in full time education.
NHS Maternity Exemption Certificate
The NHS Maternity Exemption Certificate is a certificate provided by the NHS. It allows pregnant women and new mothers to receive free NHS prescriptions and dental care.
Who is eligible?
You can get a maternity exemption certificate if you are:
- Pregnant
- Have given birth in the last 12 months
How long is it valid?
The certificate is valid:
- For the duration of your pregnancy, and
- For 12 months after the birth of your baby.
If you have another baby within that time, you can apply for a new certificate.
How to apply
- Speak to your GP, midwife, or health visitor – they will complete the application form (FW8) for you.
- The form can be submitted electronically or by post.
- Once processed, you’ll receive your exemption certificate, which you can show when collecting prescriptions or attending dental appointments.
You must apply for the Maternity Exemption Certificate; it isn’t issued automatically.
Georgina’s Disability Tips
NHS Low Income Scheme
If you live on a low income but do not automatically qualify for free prescriptions, the NHS Low Income Scheme can help. The scheme is income-assessed and may entitle you to:
- NHS prescription charges
- NHS dental treatment charges
- the cost of sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
- the cost of travelling to receive NHS treatment
- NHS wigs and fabric supports (check with your hospital for their arrangements for supplying NHS wigs)
To apply, you must be at least one of the following:
- a pensioner
- a student
- earning a wage
- receiving state benefits
- living in a care home
You can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme online if you do not have capital or savings of over £6,000. You’ll need to provide information about income, savings, and necessary outgoings. For other ways to pay and more information about how to assess applications please visit the NHS website.
There are two different levels of support which will be decided once your application has been reviewed.
- HC2 Certificate: Full help with health costs, including prescriptions
- HC3 Certificate: Partial help with health costs
Remember NHS prescriptions are free if you’re aged 60 or over.
Georgina’s Disability Tips
NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
The Tax Credit Exemption Certificate offers help with health costs if your annual family income used to calculate your Tax Credits is £15,276 or less and you receive either:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit paid together
- Working Tax Credit including a disability or severe disability element
If you meet these conditions, HM Revenue and Customs will inform the NHSBSA and they will send you an NHS tax credit exemption certificate. You don’t need to apply.
Please note: Tax Credit payments made by HMRC are ending on 5 April 2025
If you’re currently receiving tax credits from HMRC, these will no longer be paid after 5 April 2025. If you have a valid tax credit exemption certificate, automatic entitlement to full help with health costs because of your tax credits will stop when it runs out.
People receiving tax credits are being moved to Universal Credit. When your tax credits have stopped and you’re moved to Universal Credit, you must meet the Universal Credit conditions to be entitled to full help with health costs. View the Universal Credit page to check if you are entitled to help with your health costs.
Universal Credit and Prescriptions
Not everyone getting Universal Credit will be entitled to help with their health costs. You are only entitled if your take-home pay in your last assessment period was:
- £435 or less
- £935 or less if your Universal Credit includes a payment for a child, or you have a limited capability for work or limited capability for work and work related activity
If you claim Universal Credit as a couple, the take-home pay limit applies to the joint income of you and your partner. If your working hours and income change it’s important to regularly check if you are still entitled.
People who receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments
You can get free NHS prescriptions if you have a valid war pension exemption certificate and your prescription is for your accepted disability.
You are also entitled to free NHS wigs and fabric supports if they relate to your accepted disability and you have a valid war pension exemption certificate.
NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC)
If you pay for NHS prescribed HRT medicine 3 or more times in 12 months, an HRT PPC could save you money.
An HRT PPC is a one-off payment of £19.80 (the cost of two single items) and covers an unlimited number of certain HRT medicines for 12 months, regardless of why they are prescribed.
Though it is important to note, the HRT PPC does not cover all HRT medicines. We recommend that you check to see if it covers your HRT medicine before applying.
The HRT PPC is for anybody who is taking Hormone Replacement Therapy, it is not specifically for disabled people, but there may be disabled people currently taking HRT who could benefit from this saving. Before buying an HRT PPC, check to see if you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and/or other help with health costs by using the NHS eligibility checker.
NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)
If you are not eligible for free prescriptions, the NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) can significantly reduce costs. A PPC allows you to pay a flat fee for an unlimited number of prescriptions within a specific period.
PPC Costs
- 3-month PPC: £32.05
- 12-month PPC: £114.50 (available with monthly installments of £11.45 by Direct Debit)
Is a PPC Right for You?
A PPC is beneficial if you:
- need more than three prescriptions in three months.
- require 11 or more prescriptions in a year.
For example, if you have multiple prescriptions monthly due to a long-term disability or impairment, a PPC can lead to significant savings.
How to Buy a PPC
- Online at the NHSBSA website
- By phone on 0300 330 1341
- At participating pharmacies
If you move home and change your address, or if you change your name, you need to update your information with the NHSBSA.
Georgina’s Disability Tips
Disabled People and NHS Prescription Support
Disabled individuals often face higher healthcare costs due to frequent medical appointments, treatments, and necessary medications. The NHS recognises this and provides specific support.
You are eligible for a Medical Exemption Certificate if:
You have a continuing physical disability that prevents you from going out without help.
This exemption applies regardless of whether you require medication related to your disability.
Other Prescription-Related Benefits for Disabled People
Although receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) doesn’t automatically qualify you for free prescriptions, it opens the door to additional support and discounts, such as:
- Blue Badge Scheme: Offering parking concessions for easier mobility.
- Motability Scheme: Access to affordable vehicles tailored for mobility needs.
- Disabled Persons Railcard: Providing 33% discounts on rail travel.
- Council Tax Reductions: Discounts on council tax bills, depending on local authorities.
- Purpl Membership: Joining Purpl allows access to disabled discounts from hundreds of brands.
Why not also take advantage of our discount with Click Pharmacy – you can save 5% on prescription and non-prescription medicines with our Click Pharmacy disabled discount offer.
How to Avoid Prescription Penalties
Claiming free NHS prescriptions without the proper documentation can result in penalty charges. To avoid this:
- Always check eligibility before claiming.
- Ensure certificates are valid and renewed on time.
- Use the NHSBSA exemption checker to confirm your status.
Penalties can reach five times the original charge, up to £100, plus the original prescription cost. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your exemption details up to date.
Other Prescription-Related Benefits for Disabled People
Access to Free Over-the-Counter Medications
In some regions, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) allow GPs to prescribe over-the-counter medications for free if linked to long-term conditions, potentially easing financial burdens for disabled patients.
Travel Assistance for Medical Appointments
Some people can claim help with the cost of travel to receive NHS care in England if they:
- are referred by an appropriate medical practitioner
- need to make an extra journey to go to hospital or another place to receive NHS care
- travel by the cheapest method of transport which it is reasonable for them to use
The rules are different depending on which country you live in, so check the information on the NHSBSA website here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people with learning disabilities get free NHS prescriptions?
Individuals with learning disabilities may qualify for free prescriptions if they receive benefits like Universal Credit or have an HC2 certificate through the NHS Low Income Scheme. If their condition requires regular medication linked to other qualifying medical conditions (e.g., epilepsy), they can also apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate.
Are blind or visually impaired people entitled to free prescriptions?
Blind or visually impaired people do not automatically qualify for free prescriptions. However, if their visual impairment results from a medical condition listed for Medical Exemption Certificates or if they receive certain income-based benefits, they may be eligible.
How can people with mobility impairments reduce prescription costs?
Those with mobility impairments who cannot leave their homes without help may qualify for a Medical Exemption Certificate. If not eligible, purchasing a PPC is a cost-effective option, especially for those requiring multiple medications.
About the Author
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges of living with a disability. Her mission is to work with brands to secure discounts that ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina knows how it feels to lose independence due to a disability. She is passionate about holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Her goal is to make Purpl an essential resource for disabled people, offering practical support, advice, and financial relief.
Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation providing grants for disabled people who need extra financial support.
She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband, son, three stepsons, two cats, and a friendly Labrador. A keen reader, Lego enthusiast, and family-focused person, Georgina is committed to building a supportive, inclusive community for those navigating life with a disability.
Follow @Purpldiscounts on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.
Useful Resources
- NHSBSA – Medical Exemption Certificates
- NHSBSA – Prescription Prepayment Certificate
- NHS – Check if You Can Get Free Prescriptions
Related Disability Support Articles
How to Apply for PIP and Maximise the Benefits in the UK
How to Save Money if you Live with a Disability in the UK
How to Appeal a PIP Decision for Disabled Adults in England and Wales
Related Disabled Discounts
Silentnight Disabled Discount Codes: Exclusive 10% off orders over £99
Morrisons Disabled Discount Codes: 10% off when you spend £25 – home delivery or click & collect
MedExpress Disabled Discount Codes: 30% off your first order
