Who Qualifies for Free NHS Prescriptions?

In England, the standard NHS prescription charge is currently £9.90 per item (as of June 2025). This fee applies whether you collect your medication from a high street pharmacy or use our online NHS dispensing service. However, many people are entitled to free prescriptions depending on their age, income, health status, or benefits.

You may qualify for free NHS prescriptions if any of the following apply:

• You are under 16 years old

• You are aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education

• You are aged 60 or over

• You are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, and hold a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate

• You have a qualifying medical condition and a valid Medical Exemption Certificate (common examples include diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer)

• You receive certain benefits, such as:

  • Income Support

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)

  • Universal Credit (if you meet specific criteria)

• You hold a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate

It’s important to note that eligibility for free prescriptions is not automatic in all cases; you must apply for and hold the appropriate exemption certificate. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, you can check your eligibility using the official NHS eligibility checker online.

If you are eligible, you will need to provide your certificate number and expiration date when registering or updating your account on our website. This allows us to verify your status and ensure you are not charged for your NHS prescriptions.

By ensuring your exemption details are up to date, you can avoid unnecessary charges and access your prescribed medication at no cost where eligible. It is important to check that you are always entering the correct details, as an incorrect exemption can result in a fine from the NHS if incorrect.

If you qualify for any of the above your will need to provide your certificate number and expiration date onto your account on our website.