Medical Cost
If you are struggling to afford prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, or other health costs, you may be able to get help. Many young people qualify for free or reduced-cost NHS treatment. Contact us for free advice on what you are entitled to.
Health costs when money is tight
If you are worried about paying for prescriptions, dental check-ups, eye tests, or other health costs, there is help available. Many young people do not realise they can get these costs reduced or covered entirely. You should not have to choose between your health and paying your bills.
NHS care is mostly free
Most NHS care is free at the point of use because it is funded through taxation. This includes GP appointments, emergency care, and hospital stays. You do not pay a bill for these services.
However, there are some NHS services that do carry a charge. These include:
- Prescriptions (currently £9.90 per item in England)
- NHS dental check-ups and treatment
- Eye tests and glasses
You may be exempt from these charges
Certain groups do not have to pay for prescriptions, dental treatment, or eye tests. You may qualify if you are:
- Under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education)
- Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- Receiving certain benefits, such as Universal Credit (with no earnings or earnings below the threshold), Income Support, or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- A war pensioner (for prescription charges related to your disability)
If you are not automatically exempt, you can still get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. You apply using an HC1 form, and if you qualify you will receive either:
- An HC2 certificate, which covers you for full help with health costs
- An HC3 certificate, which gives you partial help
Prescription prepayment certificates
If you pay for prescriptions regularly but do not qualify for free ones, a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) can save you money. It works like a season ticket, covering all your prescriptions for a set period regardless of how many you need.
What about private healthcare?
Most young people in debt will not need private healthcare, but it is worth understanding the basics.
Private health insurance works by spreading the risk of high medical bills across a group. You pay a regular fee called a premium, and the insurer covers your treatment costs. Premiums vary based on your age, location, lifestyle (such as smoking status), and the level of cover you choose. Most policies require you to pay a fixed amount towards your first claim (called an excess or deductible), typically £100 or £500, before the insurer pays the rest. In some systems, you may also pay a percentage of every bill (for example, 20%) while the insurer pays the remainder. This is called co-payment or coinsurance. You usually need a GP referral first, and the insurer then pays the hospital or consultant directly.
Self-pay means paying the full cost of private treatment yourself, often to avoid public waiting lists. Many private hospitals offer fixed-price packages for surgeries (such as hip or knee replacements), which include the operation and follow-up care. Initial specialist consultations are typically billed separately, often starting around £200.
Health cash plans are low-cost plans where you pay a small monthly fee and can then claim back everyday health expenses (such as dental fillings or new glasses) up to an annual limit. You pay for the service upfront, send the receipt to the plan provider, and they reimburse you.
If you are already paying for private health insurance or a health cash plan and are struggling with debt, it may be worth reviewing whether you can afford to keep it. We can help you look at your full budget.
What you can do
- Check whether you are exempt from prescription and dental charges. If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you may not need to pay at all.
- Apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme using an HC1 form, available from Jobcentre Plus offices, NHS hospitals, or online.
- Look into a prescription prepayment certificate if you regularly pay for prescriptions.
- Do not avoid medical care because of cost. There is almost always a way to reduce or remove the charge.
- Talk to us if health costs are adding to your debt worries. We can help you check what you are entitled to.
Get help
- Email us at info@youthlegal.org.uk
- Call us on 020 3195 1906
- Fill in our contact form and we'll get back to you
All our advice is free and confidential. You can also check what help you can get at NHS Help with health costs or Citizens Advice.