Free NHS Prescriptions: Diabetes and Endocrinology

How do I know if I am entitled to free NHS prescriptions?

You can find out if you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions using the NHS Check Before You Tick online eligibility checker.

You are entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you:

You are entitled to a medical exemption certificate if you have certain medical conditions.

If you speak to your GP they will give you an application form.

Within diabetes and endocrinology these conditions include:

Diabetes mellitus (unless you are treated by diet only)
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
- Usually you will be treated with thyroxine (levothyroxine)
Hypoparathyroidism
- Usually you will be treated with calcitriol or alfacalcidol
Hypoadrenalism (for example, resulting from Addison’s disease or pituitary disease)
- Usually you will be treated with hydrocortisone or prednisolone
Diabetes insipidus (AVP deficiency)
- Usually you will be treated with DDAVP (desmopressin)
If you are undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment (including ‘late effects’)

HRT (regardless of why prescribed) is not free, but you can save money by buying an HRT prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). This covers an unlimited number of listed HRT medicines for 12 months (for the cost of two single items).
Prescribed contraceptives are free for everyone.

If you pay for your NHS prescriptions, you could save money by buying a three or 12 month prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). Find out more information on the NHS Business Services Authority Free NHS Prescriptions webpage.

This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove and Haywards Heath.