Medical Exemption Certificates

People with certain medical conditions can get free NHS prescriptions if they have a valid medical exemption
certificate.

A medical exemption certificate:

  • entitles you to free NHS prescriptions only
  • doesn’t cover dental treatment or help with other health costs
  • should be shown when you collect a prescription
  • is valid for five years (or until your 60th birthday, whichever is sooner)

It’s your responsibility to check the expiry date, and if you claim free prescriptions after your certificate expires, you could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100.

NHS Medical Exemption Certificates Information