NHS treatment

Prescriptions, dental care, and sight tests

In England, some NHS services are available to everyone but may need to be paid for, unless a person is exempt or qualifies for help with health costs.

These services are not always free:

• NHS prescriptions
• NHS dental treatment (including community dental services)
• sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
• travel to receive NHS treatment
• NHS wigs and fabric supports

Who is exempt

A person will not have to pay if they:

• are aged 60 or over
• are under 16
• are 16 to 18 and in full time education
• are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate
• have a valid medical exemption certificate for certain conditions
• receive a qualifying benefit, such as:
  • Universal Credit
  • Income Support
  • income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • income related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit

Help with health costs

If a person is not exempt, they may still qualify for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This can provide full or partial help with health costs through an HC2 certificate.

A person can apply for help regardless of their immigration status. If a person has no recourse to public funds (NRPF) and is receiving support from a council, charity or voluntary organisation, they may need to provide evidence of this support.

How to apply

To apply, a person must complete an HC1 form. Further information is available in NHS guidance on help with health costs.

Page updated: 16 June 2026