Thousands of people can get free NHS prescriptions in several situations - what to know

Prescription charges can significantly inflate your monthly outgoings, especially if you're on multiple medications. While some treatments are free, others cost £9.90 per item, meaning someone on just three treatments will have to fork out £29.70 each time they need a refill.

However, it may come as a surprise that some Brits are automatically entitled to free prescriptions when using the UK's health service. Even if you don't qualify, there are other discounts and more affordable prepayment options available in certain circumstances as well.

The Express has explored the various avenues offered by the NHS to people across the nation. Those who believe they are eligible can also use the service's online checker to explore their options further.

Who is entitled to free NHS prescriptions?

Contraceptives and medication provided to hospital inpatients are among several prescriptions that are always free for anyone using the NHS. However, some groups are consistently entitled to free NHS prescriptions, regardless of the medication issued.

According to the NHS Business Services Authority, this includes anyone under 16 and those aged 16 to 18 in full-time education, as well as pensioners over 60. In addition, those claiming certain benefits may also be eligible for free prescriptions, including the following:

• Anyone receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Anyone receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
• Anyone receiving income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Anyone receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Anyone receiving Income Support

The authority goes on to clarify that partners and children under 20 included in these awards are also entitled to free NHS prescriptions. Nevertheless, those on contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance or contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance do not automatically qualify for free NHS prescriptions.

Not everyone claiming Universal Credit is entitled to free NHS prescriptions either. This entitlement chiefly relies on your total take-home pay during the previous assessment period.

"If you're entitled to free NHS prescriptions because you claim Universal Credit and your take home pay is under the limit, tick box 'U' on the prescription form," the authority's guidance adds. "Not all prescription forms have a tick box for Universal Credit. If that's the case you should tick box 'K' for income-based Jobseeker's Allowance instead."

Additionally, the following groups may also be awarded exemption certificates in particular circumstances, providing free NHS prescriptions:

• Pregnant women or those who have had a baby in the last 12 months may be granted a maternity exemption certificate
• People with specific medical conditions may be granted a medical exemption certificate
• People on a low income (including students and pensioners) may be granted a HC2 certificate
• People who receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments may be granted a war pension exemption certificate and your prescription is for your accepted disability

The authority adds: "It's your own responsibility to check that you're entitled before claiming free prescriptions. If you claim free prescriptions that you're not entitled to, you could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100."

So, who can save money on prescriptions?

Even if you don't automatically qualify for free NHS prescriptions, there are several other methods to reduce your medication costs. One such method is the Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC), which covers all prescriptions at a fixed price.

This option is particularly beneficial if you require more than three items in three months or 11 items in 12 months. While a single prescription charge in England is £9.90, a PPC will cost you £32.05 for three months or £114.50 for 12 months.

To put it into perspective, the NHS claims that taking three medications each month for 12 months under a PPC can save 'more than £241' per year.

The authority adds: "If you get prescriptions for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you may save more with the Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC). Before buying a PPC, check if you're entitled to free NHS prescriptions and other help with health costs using our eligibility checker."

Other Britons might benefit from the NHS Low Income Scheme as an alternative. This doesn't simply assist with prescriptions but also helps with other vital costs such as dental treatment, eye tests, wigs, and travel expenses for NHS treatment.

How much you're eligible to receive chiefly depends on your weekly income, savings, and essential expenses at the time of application. You can only apply online if you have no capital or savings exceeding £6,000, and must also be at least one of the following:

• Receiving state benefits
• Living in a care home
• A pensioner
• A student
• Earning a wage

The authority adds: "If the amount you have left is low, you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Any help you're entitled to is also available to your partner, if you have one.

"If you have already paid for treatment, you can apply for a refund at the same time as you apply for the scheme. We will normally assess your application within 18 working days from the date we get your form."

For more information on the help available, head to the NHS Business Services Authority website here.