NHS charges
Although the NHS was set up to be free for everyone, there are a few things you may have to pay for.
It's worth knowing that the NHS is actually four separate organisations, one for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As a result, different policies exist in each of the different countries (although Northern Ireland often bases its policies on England).
You shouldn't ever be denied treatment because you can't afford to pay for it. If you're having difficulty with health costs, it's worth chatting with whoever's treating you, as they may be able to suggest ways that you can get your treatment for free.
Exemptions
The usual reasons for being exempt from paying NHS charges are if you:
- Get Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (you may also be exempt from paying NHS charges if your partner is receiving these benefits).
- Are on a low income.
And you won't have to pay prescription or dental charges if you:
- Are under 19 and still in full-time education (for prescriptions).
- Are under 18 (for dental charges).
- Are pregnant.
- Have had a baby in the last 12 months.
- Have certain long-term illnesses.
Detailed information about exemptions is available for people in: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Prescriptions
The cost for a prescription depends on which country you live in. If you regularly need prescriptions, you can buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) that covers all the prescriptions you need in that period.
Country | Individual Item | Three-month prepayment certificate | One-year prepayment certificate |
England | £7.20 | £28.25 | £104 |
Northern Ireland | £7.20 | £28.25 | £104 |
Scotland | £4 | £13* | £38 |
All prescriptions in Wales are free.
*Four-month prepayment certificate
In some instances, you may be able to buy the prescribed medicine cheaper over the counter - ask your pharmacist if you're unsure.
You won't be charged for medicine given to you in hospital; by a GP directly; for contraceptives; or medicine for STIs given at a clinic.
Dental costs
You can be treated as an NHS or private patient by your dentist. If you are treated privately, the costs will be whatever the dentist decides to set, but if you are an NHS patient, the dentist will have to follow agreed charges.
England
Charges for NHS treatment (as of April 2009) are divided into three bands:
- Band 1: examination, diagnosis, and preventive advice: £16.50 (this may also include x-rays and planning for any further treatment).
- Band 2: examination, diagnosis, preventive advice, and one or more fillings: £45.60.
- Band 3: examination, diagnosis, preventive advice, one or more fillings, and one or more crowns: £198.
Wales
The same bands apply as England, however the charges are as follows:
- Band 1: free to everyone under the age of 25 (and then £12).
- Band 2: £39.
- Band 3: £177.
Scotland
Check-ups and examinations are free for everyone. There is a sliding scale of charges for treatment, with a scale and polish costing £9.76. Full details are here.
Northern Ireland
Patients are charged 80% of the cost of the treatment (up to £384). A basic examination should cost about £10.
Opticians
If you are exempt from NHS charges, or you are blind, partially sighted or diagnosed as having diabetes or glaucoma, you will get a free eye test.
If you need glasses or contact lenses and are exempt from NHS charges, you'll get a voucher for a set amount. However, if your glasses or contact lenses cost more than the voucher amount, you'll have to pay the difference.
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