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Free prescriptions – who is eligible?

You are entitled to prescriptions free of charge if you:

If you are entitled to free prescriptions, you will need to complete the declaration at the back of the prescription form and sign it. The pharmacist may ask to see evidence to prove your entitlement.

• NHS Prescription Services Opens new window

Pre-payment of NHS prescription charges

If you do have to pay for your prescriptions, you may find it helpful to buy a prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC). A PPC will save you money if you need more than four prescription items in three months, or more than 14 items in 12 months. A three-month PPC costs £28.25 and a 12-month PPC is £104.00. The cost of a single prescription is £7.20.

You can apply for a PPC using form FP95 in England and Wales and form EC95 in Scotland. The form is available from pharmacies and doctors surgeries. In England, you can get a form and advice from the Prescription Pricing Authority on 0845 850 0030. They are open Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. You can also apply for a PPC online if you live in England.

• More about Prescription Prepayment Certificates Opens new window

Free sight tests - who is eligible?

If you’re aged between 16 and 70 it is normally recommended that you have your sight tested every two years. You may need to have your eyes tested more frequently than this if there is a clinical reason for doing so.

You are entitled to free NHS sight tests if you:

You may also get a voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you:

• receive, or your partner receives, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (the 'guarantee credit' element)
• are on Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• have a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate or have a valid NHS exemption certificate (HC2 or HC3)

You may also be entitled to a voucher if you are prescribed complex lenses.

• Free sight tests and optical vouchers - how to apply (opens in new window) Opens new window

Help if you are on a low income

If you are on a low income, you may be able to get help with health costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme. The amount of help you get will depend on the amount of income you have.

To apply for help, you'll need to complete form HC1, which is available from some NHS hospitals and Jobcentre Plus offices and online. You can get a form and help filling it in from the NHS Low Income Scheme Patient Services by phoning 0845 850 1166.

You can also get a form from The Department of Health Publications Orderline on 0845 601 1112, Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.

• Help with health costs on NHS Choices Opens new window

Help with other health costs

You may also be able to get help with:

The booklet 'Help with health costs' is a useful source of information. It is available from NHS hospitals, doctors surgeries, dentists opticians and some Jobcentre Plus offices,. You can download the leaflet in PDF format. You can also order a copy from the Department of Health on 0845 610 1112, Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.

NHS Direct provides advice about help with health costs on 0845 46 47 in England or Wales, and 0800 22 44 88 in Scotland.

• Download 'Help with health costs' Opens new window

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