Medical exemption
To help you, please find the list below showing the conditions that are exempt from prescription costs. More information about exemption certificates and how to apply can be found here: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/exemption-certificates/medical-exemption-certificates
Alternatively, ask for an application form from your GP's surgery. You will need to fill it in and your doctor (or an authorised member of the practice staff) will sign to confirm the information you've given is correct. You will then be sent a Medical Exemption Certificate.
Medical exemption certificates are credit-card-size cards. They are issued if you have:
- cancer, including the effects of cancer or the effects of current or previous cancer treatment
- a permanent fistula (for example, a laryngostomy, colostomy, ileostomy or some renal dialysis fistulas) requiring continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
- a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison's disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
- diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
- diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
- hypoparathyroidism
- myasthenia gravis
- myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
- epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
- a continuing physical disability that means you cannot go out without the help of another person (temporary disabilities do not count, even if they last for several months)
If you have a Medical Exemption Certificate, all your prescriptions are free, whatever the medication is prescribed for.
More information about prescription charges can be found here.
Useful Contacts
Royal Berkshire
NHS Foundation Trust
London Road
Reading
RG1 5AN