Financial support in the NHS

In the UK, the NHS is a publicly funded healthcare system providing medical care. It is often referred to as being "free at the point of use" which means the care is provided based on what the patient needs, rather than how able they are to pay for it. 

However, there are usually costs for some areas of care. In England these include:

• NHS prescriptions
• NHS dental check-up and treatment
• Sight tests or new glasses or contact lenses
• NHS wigs
• Fabric supports, such as surgical bras or support tights
• Travel for NHS treatment.

Depending on your personal circumstances you may be able to access financial support. To check if you are eligible, please visit the NHS help with NHS costs website: Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs - NHSBSA.

NHS Low Income Scheme

The NHS Low Income Scheme supports people who are on a low income. The amount of support you’re eligible for will depend on your income and outgoings, as well as any savings or investments you have. For more information about the NHS Low Income Scheme, or to check if you are eligible for support, please visit this website: NHS Low Income Scheme | NHSBSA.

You can also call the NHS Low Income Scheme helpline for more information and support with applying - 0300 330 1343. 

Help with transport costs: Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)

You may be eligible for support to cover the cost of transport to receive NHS care. If you are eligible for support you may also be able to claim back the cost of a previous journey. To check if you are eligible or to submit an application, please visit this website: Travel to receive NHS treatment | NHSBSA.

Help with prescription costs

In England most adults pay for NHS prescriptions. Many people qualify for free prescriptions however, depending on their age, income, health conditions or benefits. Please use the Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs website page to check your eligibility.

If you are not eligible for free NHS prescriptions you may want to consider applying for a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). This will cover all NHS prescriptions, no matter how many you need. There are 2 different types of PPC:

• A 3-month PPC
• A 12-month PPC.

Both PPC’s can be paid for monthly or annually. For more information about the cost of a PPC or to apply for one, please visit the NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) website.

If you are receiving Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), you may want to consider applying for a Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC). The HRT PPC can be bought for a one off payment and covers an unlimited number of qualifying HRT medications for 12 months. The HRT PPC is cheaper than a standard 12 month PPC. For more information or to buy a HRT PCC, please visit the NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC) website.

You can also call the Prescription Services helpline for more information- 0300 330 1349. 

Help with dental costs

In England, dental treatment can be accessed through the NHS or privately. The cost of treatment depends on the type of care required and the patient’s eligibility for NHS charges. Some people can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment or only pay part of the cost. You may be entitled to free dental care if you are: 

• Under 18, or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education
• Pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
• Staying in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist
• An NHS hospital dental services outpatient, however you may need to cover the costs of certain items, such as dentures or bridges. 

You may also be entitled to a refund if you have paid for NHS dental treatment but subsequently find out you are eligible for free or subsidised treatment. 

To check if you are eligible for free dental care, subsidised care or a refund of previous dental treatment, please visit the NHS website: Who can get free NHS dental treatment or help with dental costs - NHS

You can also contact the Dental Services helpline for more information - 0300 330 1348.

Free NHS eye test and optical vouchers

You may be eligible for a Free NHS eye test and/or NHS optical vouchers to help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you need them. 

You may also be able to claim a refund for an NHS eye test you have previously paid for, if you subsequently find out you are eligible for free NHS eye tests. 

To check if you are eligible for free eye tests or optical vouchers, please visit the Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers website page.

Help with cost of wigs and fabric support

Wigs and fabric supports, such as surgical bras or abdominal supports, are available on the NHS. However, you will need to pay for these items unless you are eligible for help to cover the costs. 

To check which wigs and fabric supports are available on the NHS, and if you are eligible for financial support to cover the costs, please visit the NHS help with health costs website: Wigs and fabric supports on the NHS.