Most NHS treatment is free at the point of use, but some services carry charges. These include prescriptions, dental treatment, eye care, and wigs or fabric supports. If you are a carer or the person you look after is on a low income, you may qualify for help with some or all of these costs.
Automatic entitlement to free NHS services
Certain benefits mean you or the person you care for will automatically qualify for free NHS services without needing to apply separately.
You are usually entitled to all NHS health benefits if you or the person you care for receives:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit (if you meet the income criteria, which you can check on GOV.UK)
These benefits typically cover free prescriptions, free NHS dental treatment, free sight tests, vouchers towards glasses or contact lenses, and help with travel costs to hospital for NHS treatment.
If you or the person you care for receives a War Disablement Pension and holds a valid war pension exemption certificate, you can get free prescriptions and free wigs or fabric supports when the treatment relates to the disability covered by the pension. You may also be able to reclaim costs for dental treatment, sight tests, glasses, and hospital travel.
Age and location
Age affects what free services are available. Anyone aged 60 or over in England can currently get free prescriptions, though the government has proposed raising this to align with the state pension age in future. Free NHS sight tests are available to everyone aged 60 and over across the UK. People aged 16 to 18, or 19 and in full-time education, also qualify for free prescriptions and dental treatment.
In Scotland and Wales, free prescriptions are available to everyone regardless of age. Scotland offers free NHS dental examinations to all patients, though treatment charges may still apply depending on the work needed. In Wales, free dental check-ups are available to those under 25 and over 60, with charges applying for others.
Those aged 40 and over with a close family history of glaucoma can get free sight tests. If you or the person you care for has diabetes or certain eye conditions, you may also qualify.
Northern Ireland has its own rules for NHS charges and exemptions. Check with your local health authority for specific details.
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Help on grounds of low income
If you do not automatically qualify but have a low income, you can apply for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme can cover full or partial costs for prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests, glasses, wigs, and travel to hospital.
To apply, fill in an HC1 form. You can get this from Jobcentre Plus offices, NHS hospitals, or by ordering one online. You will then receive either an HC2 certificate for full help or an HC3 certificate for partial help, depending on your income, savings, and household circumstances. These certificates are valid for a set period and will need renewing.
Full details of the eligibility criteria are available on the NHS website or through GOV.UK.
Refunds and prepayment certificates
If you paid for treatment and later realise you were entitled to free care, you can claim a refund. This applies to prescriptions, dental charges, sight tests, glasses, and travel costs. You will usually need to claim within three months of paying, though specific rules may vary.
To request a refund, complete the relevant NHS form. For prescriptions, dental, and optical costs, use form HC5. For travel costs, use form HC5(T). Keep your receipts as proof of payment.
Prepayment certificates offer another way to reduce prescription costs if you need regular medication but do not qualify for free prescriptions. You pay a fixed amount for three or twelve months and can then collect as many prescriptions as you need within that period. Details and current prices are available on the NHS Business Services Authority website.
If you are unsure what help you qualify for, your GP surgery, local pharmacy, or Citizens Advice can point you in the right direction.
Get free dental
Thank you
Kind regards
Ruth McNally
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