You can apply for a medical exemption certificate if you have one of the following medical conditions:

• 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. However, if you’re not sure about the name of your condition, speak to your doctor.

Check you’re eligible for free prescriptions

There’s a simple way to find out if you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions and any help with other NHS costs.

For more information on

• How to apply
• Refunds of prescription charges
• Replace or renew your certificate
• Change of circumstances
• Information in different languages