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What Illnesses Qualify for a Medical Exemption Certificate?

July 22, 2024
What Illnesses Qualify for a Medical Exemption Certificate?
July 22, 2024

If you’ve just paid for another prescription and are feeling the financial strain, you’re not alone. 

Earlier this year (2024) prescriptions in England increased to £9.90 (prescriptions are free in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) and although you can’t put a price on feeling better, regular and repeat prescriptions soon mount up. 

Luckily there are ways to waive the cost of prescription medication.

‘Many patients will know about children, pregnant and elderly people being eligible for free prescriptions but not everyone knows that having certain illnesses or health conditions means you could also be eligible,’ says ZoomDoc GP Dr Lydia Williamson.

‘If that is the case you’ll be able to mark box ‘E’ on the prescription form and sign the declaration,’ she adds.

Find out what illnesses qualify for a medical exemption certificate. Plus, find out what a medical exemption certificate covers – and how to get and renew yours.

What does a Medical Exemption Certificate cover?

 

A medical exemption certificate entitles you to free NHS prescriptions.

An NHS medical exemption certificate provides proof of a certain illness or condition that entitles you to free prescriptions. 

When you go to the pharmacy with a prescription and they ask you if you pay for yours, this means you can legally say ‘no’ because you’re medically exempt.

Other categories for exemption from prescription charges include:

  • under 16
  • aged 16-18 and in full time education
  • aged 60 or over
  • on certain benefits such as income support
  • pregnancy (or having had a baby in the last 12 months).

Check what help you may be eligible for with this NHS costs checker.

If you don’t qualify for the NHS certificate but you have certain conditions or illnesses stopping you from living your life or being able to do certain things, it’s worth knowing about ZoomDoc’s private Medical Exemption Certificate.

‘If you are unable to complete certain activities, requirements or commitments for medical reasons, you may require an exemption certificate as evidence,’ says Dr Lydia.

‘Our medical letter can provide you with a same-day certificate that will confirm your sickness or medical condition and its impact on your activities. No appointment is needed – simply apply online,’ he says.

Be aware that without verifiable proof of a condition, ZoomDoc GPs will be unable to provide this certificate and you will be refunded. This certificate cannot be used to provide any medical exemption letter for court or legal-related matters either.

Order your Medical Exemption Certificate via ZoomDoc

What Illnesses Qualify for a Medical Exemption Certificate?

 

A colostomy is an operation to divert 1 end of the colon (part of the bowel) through an opening in the tummy.

 

As well as various age-related and income-related criteria meaning you could be eligible for free prescriptions via a Medical Exemption Certificate, certain illnesses could also mean you qualify. They tend to be serious conditions that need continuous treatment and affect your day-to-day life.

These illnesses include:

A permanent fistula

If you have a condition that requires a caecostomy, colostomy bag, laryngectomy or ileostomy) it may need regular surgical dressing and which needs continuous surgical dressing or an appliance

A form of hypoadrenalism

A rare form of Hypoadrenalism, Addison’s disease, is a chronic condition that means your adrenal glands don’t produce key hormones and requires life-long medication once diagnosed.

Diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism

Not actually connected to type 1 and 2 diabetes, diabetes insipidus is a rare condition that can be treated with medication to reduce the amount of pee your kidneys produce. 

Diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone

This is where your body can’t produce enough of a hormone called insulin. Type 1 diabetes requires life-long injections and although type 2 may require medication, it can be treated by lifestyle adjustments.

Worried about diabetes symptoms or need to monitor your insulin levels? ZoomDoc’s at-home finger prick blood test can help.

Order your Diabetes Test here

Hypoparathyroidism

 

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition where the parathyroid glands, which are in the neck near the thyroid gland, produce too little parathyroid hormone.

 

Hypoparathyroidism affects the parathyroid glands and requires lifelong treatment to restore calcium and phosphorus levels. 

Want to check your thyroid biomarkers? Order our at-home Thyroid Testing kit here

Myasthenia gravis

This autoimmune disorder causes serious muscle weakness and may require regular steroid treatment and other medication to help manage symptoms.

Myxoedema (hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement)

A severe complication of an underactive thyroid that has not been treated. This serious condition will require urgent hospital treatment but will also need ongoing antibiotics and steroids.

Epilepsy which needs continuous anticonvulsive therapy

 

Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures.

 

This brain condition requires anti-epileptic medication to help control seizures.

A continuing and restrictive physical disability

If you have a disability that impacts your day to day life, for example not being able to go out independently or relying on someone else to do things for you, then you may be entitled to free prescriptions when required, to assist you.

Need proof of a disability? ZoomDoc offers a same-day certificate to prove your disability for help when arranging support, access, assistance or even housing applications.

Get your Disability Letter: Proof of Medical Condition

Cancer and following treatments

Cancer is where cells somewhere in the body grow uncontrollably, invading healthy tissue or organs. You’ll be eligible for free prescriptions to cover medication that can help you manage your condition, associated symptoms or effects of chemotherapy.

How can I get a medical exemption certificate?

If you are diagnosed with a condition, ask your GP if it qualifies you for a medical exemption certificate. They can then give you an application form to fill in and you should receive your certificate within around 10 days.

You can also double check if you are eligible for a medical exemption certificate here.

How long is my medical exemption certificate valid for?

Once you get a medical exemption certificate it will be valid for 5 years and then needs to be renewed.

How to renew a medical exemption certificate?

To renew yours talk to your GP around 1 month before it is due to expire. This gives you time to reapply for one.

Can’t get a GP appointment? Download our app and ask a ZoomDoc GP any questions about your symptoms, condition or help with re-applying for your certificate

Speak to a GP to discuss renewal

Can I claim a refund on my prescriptions?

 


If you have paid an NHS prescription charge you must use the prescription receipt form FP57 to claim a refund.

 

If you pay for some prescriptions while you’re waiting to receive or renew your certificate it is possible to have these charges refunded.

You can do this by getting a special refund form called FP57 at the time of paying. This will tell you how to get your money back but must be done within 3 months of paying for the prescription otherwise it is not possible.

Can I claim a refund on my Medical Exemption Certificate?

Your NHS Medical Exemption Certificate has no cash value so while it doesn’t cost you anything to get one, neither will it entitle you to any money refunded if you no longer need it or want it.

However, if you’ve applied for a private Medical Exemption Certificate via ZoomDoc you can get a refund if we’re unable to provide the letter due to lack of proof.

Once you have been provided with a certificate, you will be unable to get a refund.

How do I update details or replace a lost or damaged certificate?

Your Medical Exemption Certificate will be valid for 5 years but during that time it’s important to keep key details up to date. These include:

  • any name change
  • change of address.

Make sure you return the form with required evidence such as a marriage certificate or passport.

If yours gets lost or damaged while it is valid, contact the NHS to arrange a replacement.

What is the NHS Low Income Scheme?

 

If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).

 

If you are not eligible for a Medical Exemption Certificate but are on a low income, you may be able to benefit from the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Based on income and savings, this can get you help with prescriptions and other healthcare costs such as transport, dental, eyecare and mobility supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get free dental treatment with a Medical Exemption Card?

No, you will only be entitled to free prescriptions (medicine, creams, sprays prescribed by your doctor). It will not cover you for any dental treatment or other healthcare costs.

Can I get free glasses with a Medical Exemption Certificate?

As mentioned above, your certificate does not extend to eye care or glasses, only health-related prescriptions.

Other NHS certificates such as HC2 and NHS tax credit exemption certificate may help cover or contribute towards eyecare and eyewear costs.

Want to know more?

Our team of Doctors are available via the ZoomDoc App for any medical questions or queries.