Overview
If you are on a low income, have an illness or disability, are unemployed, or care for someone, you may be able to get help with health-related costs.
Children and young people under 19 who are in full-time education already get help with many NHS costs. You may still have other expenses, such as travel, parking, glasses or dental treatment.
This page explains the different types of support that may be available.
Prescription costs
Some items are always free, like contraception and medicines given in hospital. Your doctor or pharmacist can explain more about these.
Many people can get free NHS prescriptions.
You may qualify if you:
- are under 16
- are 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- are pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months
- have a listed medical condition
- have a physical disability that means you need help to go out
- are staying in hospital
- get certain benefits, or depend on someone who does
You can check if you qualify and apply online.
If you do not qualify for free prescriptions, you may be able to save money with a Prescription Prepayment Certificate. This lets you spread the cost.
Mencap has easy read information about paying for prescriptions.
Dental costs
Some people can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment.
You may qualify if you:
- are under 18
- are under 19 and in full-time education
- are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- receive certain qualifying benefits
- have a valid HC2 certificate through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
If you do not qualify for free treatment and are on a low income, you may still get help with part of the cost through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Find out more about NHS dental costs and who can get help.
Sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
You may be able to get a free NHS sight test or help with the cost of glasses and contact lenses.
This may be available if you:
- are under 16
- are under 19 and in full-time education
- have certain health conditions, such as diabetes or glaucoma
- receive certain benefits
- have a valid HC2 certificate.
Some people can also get an NHS optical voucher to help pay for glasses or contact lenses. If you have an HC3 certificate, you may be able to get help with part of the cost.
Find out more about free sight tests and optical vouchers.
Help with the cost of specialist equipment and technology
If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, you may not have to pay VAT on some products that are designed or adapted for your use.
This can include items used at home such as:
- personal alarms and emergency call systems
- some telecare and assistive technology
- monitoring equipment linked to a disability or long-term condition
- specialist communication equipment
- low vision and hearing support equipment
- mobility and daily living aids
Find out more about VAT relief for disabled people.
Hospital car parking
Parking can be stressful and expensive, especially if you need to visit hospital regularly.
Some people can park for free. Each hospital has its own rules. This often includes:
- people who are very ill
- parents staying overnight with a child
- disabled people
Mencap has easy read information about parking at hospitals.
For more details, visit:
NHS Low Income Scheme
If you are on a low income, the NHS Low Income Scheme may help you with health costs.
Depending on your circumstances, you could get help with:
- prescription costs
- dental treatment
- sight tests
- glasses and contact lenses
- travel costs for NHS treatment
- NHS wigs and fabric supports.
The scheme can provide:
- an HC2 certificate, which gives full help with health costs
- an HC3 certificate, which gives partial help with health costs.
Check the NHS low income scheme website to find out whether you are eligible and how to apply.
Claiming back travel costs
If you need to attend an NHS appointment, you may be able to claim back some of your travel costs through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.
This scheme is for people who meet the eligibility rules, usually because they receive certain benefits or are on a low income. It helps with the cost of travel to NHS appointments. It does not provide transport.
If you need help getting to an appointment, visit our Health transport page to learn about NHS patient transport and other travel options.
Find out more about the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.