Prescriptions and medicines: HC2 — your key
A prescription is a piece of paper from the doctor for a medicine; you take it to the pharmacy. In England each prescription medicine costs £9.90. But for you it is most likely free — if you have an HC2 certificate (and on Section 95 it arrives automatically).
How much a medicine costs
In England — £9.90 per item (per medicine, not per sheet). If they prescribe 3 medicines — 3 × £9.90.
HC2 — the certificate that makes everything free
HC2 is a certificate entitling you to full help with health costs. With it you get free: prescription medicines, dental treatment, eye tests and glasses, hospital travel costs for treatment.
If you are on Section 98 or Section 4 — HC2 will NOT arrive automatically. Submit form HC1 (get it at a pharmacy, GP surgery, or order by phone on 0300 123 0849). Processing takes 4–6 weeks.
Important: HC2 is not "public funds". You can get it even if you have NRPF (no recourse to public funds).
Who gets prescriptions free
- With an HC2 certificateIncluding everyone on Section 95 (HC2 arrives automatically).
- Children under 16 (and 16–18 in full-time education)
- People aged 60+
- Pregnant women and those who gave birth in the last 12 monthsA separate certificate (MatEx) is needed.
- People with certain chronic conditionsAnd some benefit recipients.
Medicine needed urgently but HC2 not yet available
- Tick the "HC2" box on the back of the prescriptionThe pharmacy will accept it without payment.
- If HC1 has already been submittedCall the NHS Low Income Scheme helpline 0300 330 1343 — they will give you the certificate number over the phone.
- The pharmacy cannot refuseAn asylum seeker cannot be refused medicine because of their status.
- Paid by mistake?Ask for an FP57 receipt and get your money back within 3 months. Without the receipt you cannot get it back later.
PPC — a "season ticket" for those who pay themselves
If you do not have HC2 and are not exempt, but you need many medicines — a PPC (season ticket) is worth it: £32.05 for 3 months or £114.50 for a year, as many prescriptions as you need. It makes sense if you have 4+ medicines in 3 months.
Where to go next
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does a prescription medicine cost?
In England — £9.90 per item (per medicine, not per prescription sheet). But for most of our readers it is free: if you are on Section 95, you automatically have an HC2 certificate. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland prescriptions are free for everyone.
What is HC2 and how do I get it?
HC2 is a certificate that gives you free prescriptions, dental treatment, glasses and hospital travel costs. If you are on Section 95 — it arrives automatically within 21 days of your support letter, you do not need to apply, it is valid for 6 months. If you are on Section 98 or Section 4 — you need to submit form HC1 yourself (at a pharmacy, GP surgery or by calling 0300 123 0849).
Is HC2 "public funds"? Can I have it with NRPF?
HC2 is NOT public funds. You can get it even if you have "no recourse to public funds" (NRPF). Help with medical expenses is not considered using public funds.
I need the medicine urgently but HC2 has not arrived yet.
On the back of the prescription tick the box next to "HC2" — the pharmacy will accept it without payment. If you have already submitted form HC1 but do not have the certificate yet — call the NHS Low Income Scheme helpline on 0300 330 1343, they will give you the certificate number over the phone. A pharmacy cannot refuse to give medicine to an asylum seeker.
I paid but it turns out I was entitled to free treatment.
Ask the pharmacy for an FP57 receipt at the time of payment and apply for a refund within 3 months. Without the FP57 receipt you cannot get your money back later.
What is a PPC and do I need one?
A PPC is a "season ticket" for prescriptions for people who pay themselves (no HC2 and not exempt): £32.05 for 3 months or £114.50 for a year, as many prescriptions as you need. It is worth it if you pay for 4+ medicines in 3 months. If you have HC2 you do not need a PPC — your prescriptions are already free.