Please see the below information regarding Medical Exemption Certificates : If you qualify with one of the below conditions then please visit the surgery to collect a form. Once we receive the completed form, the GP will sign this to confirm you are eligible and we will send to the NHS business department to process. The medical exemption certificate lasts for 5 years and then needs to be renewed.
NHS maternity exemption certificate.
If you’re pregnant or have given birth in the previous 12 months you can claim free prescriptions, but only if you have a valid maternity exemption certificate. Ask your doctor, midwife or health visitor how to apply.
NHS medical exemption certificate
If you have a medical condition or physical disability, you are only entitled to claim free prescriptions if you have a valid medical exemption certificate. The following conditions qualify for a medical exemption certificate:
- a permanent fistula (for example, caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) which needs continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
- a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s Disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
- diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism
- diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
- hypoparathyroidism
- myasthenia gravis
- myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement)
- epilepsy which needs continuous anticonvulsive therapy
- a continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without the help of another person
- cancer and are undergoing treatment for either:
- cancer
- the effects of cancer
- the effects of cancer treatment
These are the only conditions that entitle you to a medical exemption certificate. If you’re not sure about the name of your condition, speak to your doctor.
