University Students And Nhs: Free Prescriptions Explained

University students in England must pay for their prescriptions unless they are eligible for free prescriptions, unlike the rest of the UK, where students registered with a GP can get free prescriptions. Students aged 16 to 18 in full-time education are exempt from paying for prescriptions. Students can also apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which bases eligibility on their income rather than their household income.

Students aged 16-18 in full-time education are exempt

Students who are 16, 17, or 18 years old and in full-time education can also apply for an HC2 certificate, which indicates that they are exempt from paying for prescriptions for 12 months. To obtain an HC2 certificate, students must fill out an HC1 form and send it to the Low Income Scheme, NHS Business Services Authority. This certificate can also be used for dentist and optician visits.

Students who are unable to obtain an HC2 certificate due to failing the government's means test may wish to purchase a pre-payment certificate. These cost £32.05 for three months or £114.50 for 12 months, and they cover all prescription charges during their validity.

Students with low incomes can apply for an HC2 certificate

To be eligible for an HC2 certificate, your income must be less than or equal to your requirements, or your income must be greater than your requirements by no more than half the current English prescription charge. The validity period of the certificate depends on your circumstances and can range from 6 months to 5 years. It is important to keep track of the expiry date, as fees will apply if you claim free prescriptions after that date.

To apply for an HC2 certificate, you can visit the NHS Low Income Scheme page on the NHS Business Services website, where you can download and print an HC1 application form or order one to be sent by post. You can also call 0300 123 0849 to request an HC1 form, or obtain one from Jobcentre Plus offices, NHS hospitals, or your doctor, dentist, or optician.

It is worth noting that the HC1 form requires you to provide evidence of any grants, bursaries, and awards you receive. As a student, your eligibility is based on your individual income rather than your household income. To qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme, your savings, investments, or property value must not exceed £16,000.

Students who are pregnant or have had a baby in the past 12 months are eligible

Students and NHS Prescriptions

University students in England will usually have to pay for their prescriptions unless they are eligible for free prescriptions. This is not the case for the rest of the UK, where students registered with a GP can get free prescriptions. University is not considered mandatory full-time education, which is why most university students will not be eligible for free prescriptions. However, there are some exceptions.

Pregnancy and Maternity

If you are a student who is pregnant or has had a baby in the past 12 months, you are eligible for free prescriptions. You will need a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx), which your midwife, doctor, or health visitor can apply for on your behalf. You can also apply for one yourself if you are a midwife, GP, or healthcare professional. This certificate can be used as proof of entitlement to free NHS prescriptions and dental treatment during pregnancy and for 12 months after giving birth. It will be valid from 1 month before the date the application is received and will last until 12 months after the expected date of birth. If your baby is born early, you can continue to use the certificate until it expires. If your baby is born after the expected date, you can apply for an extension.

Low Income

University students may also be eligible for free prescriptions under the NHS Low Income Scheme. To qualify, your savings, investments, or property value must not exceed £16,000. If you qualify, you will receive an HC2 certificate, which entitles you to free prescriptions.

Students with a specified medical condition or disability can apply for a MedEx certificate

In England, most university students will have to pay for their prescriptions unless they are eligible for free prescriptions. Students registered with a GP can get free prescriptions in the rest of the UK. Full-time students aged 16 to 18 are also eligible for free prescriptions. However, university is not considered mandatory full-time education, so most university students will not be eligible for free prescriptions.

If you have a low income, you may be eligible for free prescriptions through the NHS Low Income Scheme. To qualify, your savings, investments, or property value must not exceed £16,000. If you qualify, you will receive an HC2 certificate. If you only need partial help, you can receive an HC3 certificate.

Students can get free prescriptions for contraception and STI treatment

Students and NHS Prescriptions

University students in England will usually have to pay for their prescriptions unless they are eligible for free prescriptions. In the rest of the UK, students registered with a GP can get free prescriptions. Full-time students aged 16 to 18 can also get free prescriptions. However, university is not considered mandatory full-time education, so most university students will not be eligible for free prescriptions.

The NHS offers free prescriptions for some types of contraception, such as the combined pill and the progesterone-only pill. Free prescriptions are also available for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This includes treatments for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, herpes, and syphilis.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Students

Student Health Centres provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care appointments. This includes HIV and STI testing and treatment, with most testing being free of charge. Students can also access birth control management, birth control assessment, and prescriptions, as well as free condoms. Emergency contraception, such as the morning-after pill, is also available.

Online STI Treatment Options

There are several online options for STI treatment, such as Wisp, Everlywell, LifeMD, and Planned Parenthood. These services offer convenient and fast access to STI testing and treatment, with some providing free or low-cost options. However, it's important to note that not all treatments are covered by insurance, and some may require additional testing before providing a prescription.

Frequently asked questions