People have been urged to check the rules for the free NHS prescriptions scheme after a major change to the rules. Money experts have urged people to "be aware of expiry dates" that apply. It is also worth checking to see if you qualify for the freebies, with NHS prescriptions currently costing £9.90 per item.
You can get your NHS prescriptions free of charge in England in a variety of situations — NHS prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. People with certain medical conditions or on DWP benefits may be eligible. The team at financial support group Money Wellness has urged people to double check the rules for the exemption scheme, as there have been some key changes recently.
People Need to Be Aware of Expiry Dates
Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at Money Wellness, said: "People need to be aware of expiry dates. For medical exemption certificates issued under the new rules from 16 July 2026, certificates are generally valid for 10 years, rather than the five years that applied previously.
"NHSBSA (NHS Business Services Authority) says it will normally send a reminder about a month before a certificate expires, but it's still important to make sure you have a valid certificate before claiming free prescriptions."
Penalty Charge for Invalid Claims
If you qualify for free prescriptions because you have a qualifying medical condition, you have to first get a medical exemption certificate before ordering your medication. You could be slapped with a fine if you request a prescription without a valid certificate.
Ms Lamb said: "People can face a penalty charge if they tick the exemption box at the pharmacy without a valid certificate. The penalty can be up to £100, on top of the original prescription charge."
What Medical Conditions Qualify for Free NHS Prescriptions?
You can apply for a medical exemption certificate to claim your free prescriptions if you have any of these conditions: hypoparathyroidism; myxoedema (hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement); diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism; a permanent fistula (such as caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) which needs continuous surgical dressing or an appliance; a continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without the help of another person; myasthenia gravis; a form of hypoadrenalism (such as Addison's disease) for which you need specific substitution therapy; epilepsy which needs continuous anticonvulsive therapy; diabetes mellitus, except where your treatment is through your diet alone.
If you sent in your application prior to July 16, 2026, your certificate will usually last for five years. Those who apply after this date will get a certificate lasting 10 years instead, in line with the new rules.
