Do I need to pay for prescriptions?

You don't have to pay for prescriptions in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland whatever your age or circumstances.

If you live in England, your prescriptions should be free if one of the following applies to you:

• you are under 16
• you are 16 - 18 and in full-time education
• you are aged 60 or over
• are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
• have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate
• have a continuing physical disability that prevents you from going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate.
• hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
• are an NHS inpatient

You will still need to meet these criteria to receive free prescriptions if you have sight loss. Being registered as severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted) does not automatically entitle you to free prescriptions. However you may be able to get full or partial help through the Low Income Scheme.

You can check if you are eligible to get help with your prescriptions and other NHS costs by using the eligibility checker on the NHS website.

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