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If you are having treatment for cancer, you can get free NHS prescriptions

To get free prescriptions you need to apply for an exemption certificate
Free_NHS_prescriptions_people_with_cancer_EASY_READ_2.PNG Your GP, hospital doctor or clinical nurse specialist
(CNS) will need to sign a form that says you are
having treatment for cancer, or that you are living
with the effects of cancer treatment
You don't need to apply if you are
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  • aged over 60
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  • aged under 16
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  • aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education
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  • or already have a valid NHS prescription exemption certificate
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For more information visit this website

Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs
How to get free prescriptions
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collect form FP29A from
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  • the UCLH pharmacy
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  • or the Macmillan Support and Information Service on the ground floor of the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
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  • or from your GP
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  • fill in the form and ask your hospital doctor, your CNS or your GP to sign it
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  • post it to the NHS Business Services Authority using the envelope provided – you do not need a stamp
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  • they will send your exemption certificate to you within 10 working days
Free_NHS_prescriptions_people_with_cancer_EASY_READ_15.PNG You will need to show your certificate each time you get your medicines
Free_NHS_prescriptions_people_with_cancer_EASY_READ_16.PNG The certificate will cover all your prescriptions for 5 years
Free_NHS_prescriptions_people_with_cancer_EASY_READ_17.PNG After 5 years you can apply for a new one – you will need to follow the same steps as before
Free_NHS_prescriptions_people_with_cancer_EASY_READ_1.PNG You do not have to pay for your prescriptions while you wait for the exemption certificate to arrive
Free_NHS_prescriptions_people_with_cancer_EASY_READ_9.PNG Staff at the UCLH pharmacy should be able to see from your hospital records that you can get free prescriptions
Free_NHS_prescriptions_people_with_cancer_EASY_READ_18.PNG If they can't do this, they may ask you to pay – if this happens, ask for a receipt straightaway so you can claim the money back once you have your certificate
Free_NHS_prescriptions_people_with_cancer_EASY_READ_19.PNG You must ask for a refund within 3 months
Free_NHS_prescriptions_people_with_cancer_EASY_READ_10.PNG For more information about a free prescriptions, or if you need support or advice, contact the Macmillan Support and Information Service
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You can drop in from 9.30am to 4.45pm

Monday to Friday

They are closed on bank holidays
Free_NHS_prescriptions_people_with_cancer_EASY_READ_22.PNG The Macmillan Support and Information Service is on the ground floor of the Macmillan Cancer Centre
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You can call them on 

020 34 47 86 63
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Or email them at

uclh.supportandinformation@nhs.net

Printing of this document is only valid on the day printed, please refer to the website for most up to date information:

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/free-nhs-prescriptions-people-cancer

Page last updated: 09 January 2025

Review due: 01 January 2027