Most NHS treatment is free, although there can be charges for:

• NHS prescriptions
• NHS dental treatment
• Sight tests
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Necessary costs of travel to receive NHS treatment under the care of a consultant
• NHS wigs and fabric supports (spinal or abdominal supports or surgical brassieres supplied through a hospital)

You can find information here about who does not have to pay, the help you might get with your costs if you are on a low income, or how you could save money if you need lots of prescriptions but have to pay for them. Click on the group that most applies to you. After reading about that group, check to see if any others also apply (you may fit into more than one group)

You may be able to get help:

• due to your age
• because you get certain benefits or tax credits
• because you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
• because you have a specified medical condition
• because you have a low income
• because you need lots of prescriptions, but have to pay for them

This is not a definitive guide to the help available. For more detailed information read leaflet HC11 - Help with health costs, available for download here:

"Help with Health Costs" leaflet (English) Other languages available here

For further information about NHS costs and exemptions, please visit this Department of Health website