Are you Eligible for Free Healthcare, Dental Care & Eye Tests?

We all know that UK citizens are entitled to free healthcare in the UK through the National Health Service (NHS). But many things, including prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests come at a cost. There are also key differences between healthcare costs in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that you might not be aware of. There are ways you can get healthcare costs free – or substantially reduced! Here’s what you need to know about free health care in the UK:

Healthcare

Can I get Free Healthcare?

In England, a trip to your local GP, Walk-in Centre or Hospital is free. Some medications are free too. This includes medicines administered at your GP/hospital/walk-in centre, prescribed contraceptives and medicines supplied at a hospital or clinic for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

However, in England, most prescriptions unfortunately, aren’t free to everyone. The same doesn’t apply if you’re registered at a GP in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland – as all prescriptions are free.

Can I get free Prescriptions?

There are some eligibility criteria which could mean that you’re entitled to free prescriptions in England. You can get free prescriptions if you are: 

  • Aged under 16
  • Aged over 60
  • In full-time education
  • Pregnant or have had a baby in the past 12 months.
  • In possession of a medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
  • In receipt of income support or Jobseeker’s Allowance

Check the NHS website for more detailed information on eligibility criteria. The standard prescription cost in England is currently £9.15 per item. That means that if you take in a prescription that lists several types of medication, you will pay £9.15 for each one. If you have a long-term health condition which requires regular prescribed medication, you can use an NHS Prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) to save yourself money in the long run. A PPC costs £29.65 for 3 months or £105.90 for 12 months.

The NHS Low Income Scheme

If you’re not eligible for free prescriptions based on the eligibility criteria above you could look to apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme. Apply for the scheme if your savings and investments are under £16,000. Depending on your circumstances you should consider applying for full help (HC2 certificate) or partial help (HC3 certificate).

If you’re on a very low (or non-existent) income, then you’ll likely qualify for one of the certificates. Qualifying will entitle you to free or discounted prescriptions, dental costs, eye care costs, healthcare travel costs and wigs/fabric support.

To apply, fill out an HC1 form (below) – it’s quite lengthy but will be worth it if you’re eligible. Your certificate will last anything between six months and five years, depending on your circumstances. You’ll be informed at the time of application how long yours will last for, so take note and remember to renew it, as you’re not likely to be reminded!

Check whether you’re eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme

Apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme

PROTECT YOUR OWN HEALTH

The best way to avoid unnecessary healthcare costs is by looking after your health. Here are some of the steps you can take to reduce your risk of ill health:

  1. Maintain a healthy weight
  2. Exercise regularly
  3. Don’t smoke
  4. Eat a healthy balanced diet
  5. Avoid alcohol (or exercise moderation)
  6. Protect yourself from the Sun
  7. Get screening tests
  8. Get advice from a trusted source (e.g Auris Ear Care offer advice for ear infections)

Can I get free dental care?

Unfortunately, most dental care in the UK isn’t free, even under the NHS. Eligible groups include:

  • Under 18’s,
  • Under 19’s in full-time education
  • Pregnant women
  • Women who have had a baby in the last 12 months
  • Those that receive income support (Jobseeker’s Allowance).

If you stay in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist this will not come at a cost to you – but you may have to pay for further treatment.

If you’re not yet registered with a dentist, you can use the NHS search tool to locate dentists in your local area.

Am I entitled to a free eye test?

Some people are eligible for a free NHS eye test and optical vouchers to go towards the cost of glasses and contact lenses. Eligible groups include:

  • Those under 16’s
  • Over 60’s,
  • People in full-time education
  • Partially sighted/blind
  • Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • On income support (e.g Jobseeker’s Allowance)

Additionally, your employer may offer free eye tests if you’re required to work at a computer for significant amounts of time.

You are also eligible for a free (or discounted) eye test if you have an HC2 or HC3 certificate through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Most opticians offer free eye tests to the public from time to time, so it’s worth watching out for special promotions particularly around National Eye Health Week usually takes place on the last week of September.

Can I get the flu jab free?

Flu is an unpredictable virus that can cause mild illness in most people. It can cause severe illness and even death among vulnerable groups. See below are the people considered vulnerable:

  • Older people
  • Pregnant women
  • People with an underlying health condition (e.g. asthma)

The injected flu vaccine is free of charge on the NHS to people considered ‘at risk’. Find out if you’re considered ‘at risk’ to the virus and eligible for a free jab via the NHS Website. Talk to your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist for more information about these vaccines.

Where can I get free contraception?

You can get contraception, in whatever form, for free from contraception clinics and sexual health clinics, as well as some. This includes condoms, as well as prescribed contraception methods like the pill. As well as this, FPA, the sexual health charity, has more information and advice on where you can get free contraception.

You can also get home STI test kits or visit your local sexual health clinic for a free sexual health check-up. The advice is that you get tested every time you have a new sexual partner.

Worried about being able to afford healthcare bills? Check out my budgeting tips. By planning for unfortunate healthcare costs sooner, you’ll be able to navigate them much easier.