If you’re pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months, you are entitled to:
- free NHS dental treatment
- free NHS prescriptions if you have a valid maternity exemption certificate
A maternity exemption certificate:
- entitles you to free prescriptions
- can be used to prove your entitlement to free NHS dental treatment
- is valid for 12 months after your baby's due date or date of birth
- is usually a plastic card, but may be an email if you’re taking part in the digital maternity exemption pilot
How to apply
To apply, you need to speak to your midwife, doctor or health visitor. You can apply as soon as they confirm that you’re pregnant.
We’ll backdate your certificate so it’s valid from one month before we receive your application.
You should get your certificate within 10 working days of us receiving your application.
When it expires
Your certificate will expire 12 months after either:
- your due date
- the birth of your baby
If your baby is born later than expected, you can extend the expiry date.
It’s your responsibility to check the expiry date. If you claim free prescriptions and your certificate has expired, you may have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100.
Refund of prescription charges
You can get a refund for any prescriptions you have to pay for while you wait for your maternity exemption certificate to arrive.
To get a refund, you need to:
- get a FP57 refund receipt when you pay (you can’t get one later)
- claim within 3 months of paying
Your certificate will be backdated by a month from the date we receive your application.
You can apply for a refund for any prescription charges you pay after the start date of your exemption certificate.
Replacement certificates
If you lose or damage your certificate, we can send you a replacement. You will receive your replacement certificate within 10 working days.
Contact us
Change of name or address
If your address changes, please contact us so we can update our records.
If your name changes, we will update your certificate.
You will need to send us your existing certificate, plus one of the following:
- a copy of your marriage certificate
- a copy of your civil partnership certificate
- a copy of your deed poll
- a copy of your passport
- a copy of your Decree Absolute
Our address is:
NHS Help with Health Costs
NHS Business Services Authority
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SN
Miscarriage or stillbirth
If you miscarry or your baby is stillborn, you can continue to use your certificate for free NHS prescriptions until it expires.
You may need to pay NHS dental charges.
Extending your certificate
The expiry date on your certificate is based on the due date or date of birth provided by your midwife or doctor.
If your baby is born later than its expected due date, we can extend the expiry date.
You will need to write to us, including a copy of your baby’s birth certificate, at:
NHS Help with Health Costs
NHS Business Services Authority
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SN
