Search results
Showing: 10 of 31
Maternity exemption certificates
It is the maternity exemption certificate that entitles you to free NHS prescriptions, not being pregnant or having given birth in the last 12 months. If you do not have a valid maternity exemption certificate, you may be liable for a penalty charge…
Real Time Exemption Checking (RTEC)
Pharmacy contractors can find more information about RTEC, including how to register, on the Community Pharmacy England (CPE) website.
RTEC lets your local pharmacy see if you need to pay for your NHS prescriptions. They will do this when you pick…
Check if you have an NHS exemption
Tax Credit payments made by HMRC ended on 5 April 2025
People receiving tax credits were moved to Universal Credit. After your tax credits were stopped, you must meet the Universal Credit conditions to be entitled to full help with health costs.…
Pregnant or had a baby in the past 12 months
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
Speak to your midwife, doctor or health visitor and they…
Free NHS dental treatment
Certain groups don't have to pay NHS dental treatment charges.
You should always check with your dentist whether your treatment is private or NHS. If you're entitled to free NHS treatment and the treatment you receive is a mixture of NHS and…
Free NHS prescriptions
Some groups are automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions. Others can apply for certificates that entitle them to free NHS prescriptions.
Some prescribed items are always free, including contraceptives and medication given to hospital…
NHS Help with Health Costs
Although most NHS treatment is free, there are still some costs you might need to pay, for example, to get your prescriptions or to travel to your hospital appointment.
Find out how you could get help to pay for these health costs.
Digital maternity exemption service
If you're a midwife, practice nurse, or health visitor you can register online to issue maternity exemption certificates.
Mothers will get their digital exemption certificate straight away if they give you an email address.
To register online you'…
Help with NHS prescription costs
In England, most working-age adults have to pay for their prescriptions. Certain groups are entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
Use our eligibility checker to see if you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and other help with health costs.
The…