NHS prescriptions: Full list of medical conditions that qualify for free medication | Personal Finance | Finance
As the cost of living crisis continues, it is vital that people on low incomes are saving as much money as they can. One way people can save hundreds of pounds over the course of a year is to check whether they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to.
The current prescription charge is £9.65 per item which works out to over £115 a year if someone relies on them every month.
However, Britons can get free prescriptions if they have certain medical conditions.
Those with qualifying medical conditions will get medical exemption certificates.
The NHS stated that medical exemption certificates are issued if someone has:
- Cancer, including the effects of cancer or the effects of current or previous cancer treatment
- A permanent fistula (for example, a laryngostomy, colostomy, ileostomy or some renal dialysis fistulas) requiring continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
- A form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
- Diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
- Diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Myasthenia gravis
- Myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
- Epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
- A continuing physical disability that means you cannot go out without the help of another person (temporary disabilities do not count, even if they last for several months)
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If individuals are not sure about the name of their condition, they are encouraged to speak to their doctor.
Britons who suffer from anything on the list above should automatically receive a certificate through the post which shows they are exempt.
If they haven’t, they can apply for an exemption certificate on the NHS website.
It could also mean they are entitled to free dental care and glasses.
If people know they’ll have to pay for many NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC).
This is also known as a prescription “season ticket”.
A PPC could save people money on NHS prescription costs:
- A three-month PPC costs £31.25
- A 12-month PPC is £111.60
- aA 12-month PPC for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) only is £19.30.
For more information, people can visit the NHS website.
