How do I know if I'm exempt from charges?

There are standard exemptions in the NHS for patients who fall into certain categories. You will not have to pay for any treatment if you are;

  1. Pregnant
  2. A mother who has had a baby within the past 12 months. (note that this is calendar months based on the baby's date of birth, not the dates provided on an NHS exemption certificate used to obtain free prescriptions etc).
  3. Under 19 and at College or Full-Time Education (not University)
  4. On Income Support
  5. Receiving any of the various Tax Credit derivatives
  6. Receiving Disability Working Allowance
  7. Receiving Jobseeker's Allowance
  8. Hold a Certificate for Full Exemption, HC2

You will be asked to pay treatment costs up to the specified amount if you hold a Certificate for Partial Exemption, HC3 - the amount is specified on the certificate.

There are no exemptions for Private or other non-NHS charges.

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