Free prescriptions and reduced health costs explained

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Many treatments offered by the National Health Service (NHS) are free, however on some things you will have to pay. These costs can rise quickly so it's important to know what you're entitled to.

Free prescriptions

Those over 60 are entitled to free prescriptions, a saving of £6.85 per script. To take advantage of free prescriptions either fill in the back of the prescription form and provide a form of identification to verify, otherwise if your date of birth is printed on the prescription form you do not need to make a signed declaration.

Prescription Pre-payment Certificate (PPC)

For those of you under 60 who require prescriptions regulary it may be worthwhile purchasing a pre-payment certificate. Any person paying for more than 5 prescriptions in 4 months, or 14 presecriptions in 12 months will save money by purchasing a PPC.

The current costs for a pre-payment certificate are:

£35.85 for a 4-month PPC
£98.70 for a 12-month PPC

Purchase your Prescription Pre-payment Certificate online with credit card. Otherwise you can purchase by cheque or money order.

Free sight tests for over 60's

Anyone over 60 is entitled to a free sight test through the NHS. For those 60 - 70 years you're entitled to a sight test every 24 months and if your over 70 the free sight test is available every 12 months.

Just remember some opticians only offer "private" sight tests which will incur a fee. When booking your appointment confirm it is a NHS sight test. Find your local NHS optician.

If your eye test suggests you need glasses avoid paying expensive high street prices. Business such as Glasses Direct can fill your prescription and make your glasses for a fraction of the price. You will also receive a further 10% off the price by quoting "seniors" on checkout.

Save on travel costs for NHS treatment

If you're receiving NHS treatment you may be entitled to assistance with your travel costs. You may be entitled to assistance if:

You attend a hospital, or other place, to receive NHS treatment under the care of a consultant. This includes tests and check-ups and visits
You use the cheapest method of transport to your destination

To be certain of what sort of financial assistance you can receive ask the hospital or NHS treatment centre before travelling. On arrival for your treatment inform the hospital or treatment centre you want to claim back the cost of your journey. You will be asked for your proof of entitlement such as your tax credit exemption certificate or your HC2 certificate. To be on the safe side always retain any travel tickets or receipts.