NHS Medical Exemption Certificate (England)

Description

Free NHS prescriptions in England for people with certain long-term medical conditions, or who are having treatment for cancer, its effects or the effects of cancer treatment. It isn't means-tested and covers every NHS prescription item, not just medicine for the qualifying condition. You need the certificate itself (MedEx), not just the condition: if you claim a free prescription without a valid certificate, you can get a penalty charge. Only relevant in England, because prescriptions are already free for everyone in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Eligibility summary

• Available in: England.
• Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.

Notes

Verified Oct 2026 against NHSBSA's medical exemption certificates page. Certificates for the listed conditions now last 10 years for applications received on or after 16 July 2026 (5 years before that). Cancer-related certificates last 5 years, and someone with a listed condition who is also having cancer treatment gets a 10-year certificate. The certificate is backdated to one month before NHSBSA receives the application. People aged 60 or over don't need one because they already get free prescriptions. At the pharmacy, tick box E on the prescription form; you can still collect free if you don't have the certificate with you. Low-income people without a qualifying condition should look at the NHS Low Income Scheme (separate entry) instead.

Requirement

Undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer or the effects of cancer treatment (5-year certificate). Or one of these conditions (10-year certificate): a permanent fistula (e.g. colostomy, ileostomy) needing continuous dressing or an appliance; a form of hypoadrenalism (e.g. Addison's disease) needing specific substitution therapy; diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism; diabetes mellitus, except where treated by diet alone; hypoparathyroidism; myasthenia gravis; myxoedema (hypothyroidism needing thyroid hormone replacement); epilepsy needing continuous anticonvulsive therapy; or a continuing physical disability that means you can't go out without another person's help.