Exemption certificates and resources for free NHS prescriptions

Some patients are automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions whilst others require an exemption certificate, such as patients with certain medical conditions and patients who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months. Resources and guidance explaining who may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions are available to download and display in practices.

If a patient claims free NHS prescriptions that they're not entitled to, or that they don’t hold an exemption certificate for, they may have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100. Healthcare professionals can support patients to apply.