Free prescriptions for people with cancer

If you live in Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland all prescriptions are free. If you live in England there is a charge for prescriptions but if you have cancer you can apply for a certificate to allow you to get free prescriptions. The exemption certificate for cancer includes the following

• Cancer
• The effects of cancer
• The effects of cancer treatment

The certificate lasts for 5 years and can be renewed as many times as you need. Once you have the certificate you won’t have to pay for any prescriptions. You just show the certificate to the pharmacist when you go to get your medicines. You can get a form to apply for the certificate from your GP or from your cancer clinic. Your GP or hospital doctor need to sign the form.

You won’t need an exemption certificate if you are already entitled to free prescriptions. This includes people over 60 years or under 16 years of age. If you are entitled to free prescriptions because you are receiving a relevant benefit, such as income support, you may want to apply in case your financial circumstances change.