Free prescription charges for cancer patients in England
Following the success of our prescription charges campaign, cancer patients are now entitled to free prescriptions. All cancer patients undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer or the effects of cancer treatment are encouraged to apply for exemption certificates. For example, prescriptions for HRT as a result of testicular cancer are exempt from charges under the new scheme.
How do I apply?
Patients can apply for an exemption certificate by collecting an application form from their GP surgery or oncology clinic.
Exemption certificates last for 5 years, (but can be reapplied for), and cover all prescriptions, not just those relating to cancer. If you have a cancer diagnosis all your prescriptions will be free, including those for cancer, as a consequence of cancer, or unrelated to cancer.
Exemption certificates must be countersigned by the patient's GP, hospital doctor or service doctor.
To get a refund, a receipt form FP57 should be obtained from the pharmacy at the time of payment.
Further information
The Department of Health have issued a Q&A on the changes to the prescriptions charging system in England.
Find further information on getting financial support for health costs on our financial help pages.
Help us spread the word
The Department of Health estimates that 150,000 people are eligible for free prescriptions in England. However, they have confirmed that, so far, there has been limited take up of the entitlement.
We are asking all of our supporters to help us raise awareness of this entitlement. If you are able, please print this poster [PDF, 310kb] and put it up – at the doctor's surgery, on a local community news board, at work or anywhere it will be seen and help make a difference.