It can be confusing navigating the NHS as a student. If you’ve moved somewhere new for university, you have to register with a GP that you’re unfamiliar with. One year, you might qualify for certain programmes, and the next you may not. Plus, now that you’re responsible for your own livelihood, you have to balance your healthcare along with your studies, doing errands, and sorting out your finances.
So, one of the main questions that might come up with your medical treatment is whether you’ll have to pay for your prescriptions. Prescriptions are important, which means that, if you’re paying for them, this will need to be factored into your budget alongside other necessities like food and housing. Here are some guidelines to determine whether your prescriptions will cost you money.
Do students pay for their prescriptions?
Not all students qualify for free prescriptions. However, those aged 16-18 in full-time education do qualify. If you are in this category, you can simply tick this box on the rear of your prescription.
If you are 19 or older, you have to pay for your prescriptions with some exemptions. Those with medical exemption certificates along with certain medical conditions or continuing disabilities can qualify. Conditions include cancer, a permanent fistula, hypoadrenalism, diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, hypoparathyroidism, myasthenia gravis, myxedema, and some forms of epilepsy.
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Also, those who receive Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit can receive free prescriptions. If you are under 20 and the dependent of someone who claims these benefits, you also qualify. You can claim your free prescriptions by applying for a HC2 certificate.
If you have given birth within the last year and have a maternity exemption certificate, you qualify for free prescriptions.
Rules for international students
International students normally don’t qualify for free prescriptions.
Your access to free NHS care depends on your immigration status. If your course lasts less than six months, you are not entitled to free NHS care. You will still receive hospital treatment if you need it but will have to pay a charge for these services. For non-emergency treatment, you will have to register as a temporary patient with your GP.
If your course is longer than six months, you typically will have NHS hospital care included under the terms of your visa. This is covered when you pay the immigration health surcharge. You will still have to pay for prescriptions, however.
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