Can I get help with health costs?

Health charges vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and some services are already provided free of charge depending on where the customer lives.

Depending on where you live and your medical and financial circumstances, you may be able to get help with certain health costs including:

prescription charges
NHS dental charges, including check-ups
sight tests
vouchers towards the cost of glasses and contact lenses
travel costs to and from hospital for NHS treatment
travel costs if travelling abroad for treatment
wigs and fabric supports, for example, abdominal and spinal supports, and support tights.

You will need to show evidence to prove you are eligible for help. You may be able to get some prescriptions and treatments without proof, but you will usually have to provide it later. It is important that you check your eligibility for help as you may receive a financial penalty, if you make a wrong claim.

Please note the customer may already qualify for free or reduced health costs without applying to the NHS Low Income Scheme (see below) if they receive certain benefits, including some Universal Credit claimants, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, income-related ESA or certain tax credit exemptions.

Otheriwse, if you're on a low income and do not have savings above the applicable limit, you can receive help with the above named costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. If you are eligible under the scheme you can also receive free prescriptions and reduced costs on other items. You will need to complete a HC1 application form to apply for help.

If the customer has already paid for eligible NHS charges, they may still be able to apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme and request a refund in some circumstances.

For more information on how to apply visit the website or download the leaflet related to where you live:

If you live in England: