I'm sure most of you are aware of this but I just wanted to share in case this is news to anyone.
In England, you are entitled to free prescriptions if you're having treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment.
So my cancer was entirely removed by hysterectomy and I'm not having any treatment for cancer. But because I had a hysterectomy, I take HRT, and that comes under "treatment for the effects of cancer treatment".
So if you have or have had cancer and you still have any treatment as a result of that, you can get your prescriptions for free. You just have to fill in a medical exemption form at your GP surgery.
Hi Lauz9888
Thank you for sharing.
I also got my form from my GP surgery. it entitles me to free prescriptions for 5 years.
Jane
Hi Jane
It’s interesting you say that it covers dental work and eye tests. I was told when I got my exemption certificate was that only prescriptions were covered and help was only available for dental work if you were on certain benefits (I wasn’t). I wasn’t covered for eye tests either as I didn’t satisfy the criteria for that.
My CNS submitted the exemption form for me, and within the 5 year period when it had to be renewed, I reached the age of 60 and qualified for free prescriptions anyway and free eye tests! Too late now, but I wonder now if I was given incorrect information originally when I got my exemption certificate?
Sarah xx
Hi Sarah
I have amended my post as don't want to give out the wrong or confusing information.
I used my exemption card to have a free nhs eye test. I had to pay for a private retina scan. My glasses were NHS but I paid towards them.
With the dentist I was told I was eligible for free dental care but they were not able to take me on under the NHS so I had to go privately.
Jane
Hi Jane
I just wondered if my CNS had given me the wrong info, although I just accepted what I was told. I do/did have an NHS dentist but have always made some sort of payment when I’ve needed any work, though it was much cheaper than when I previously had a private dentist, so again I never questioned any charges. Thanks for this.
Sarah xx
I just took the certificate in with me to the optician and asked, same with the dentist. Both were for check ups.
The basic eye test was definitely free but I paid for the extras as wanted a full check as my eyes were affected by the chemo for a while. The glasses I paid towards and they were NHS. I also used the exemption card when I got a wig at the hospital- but again I had to pay a top up.
So perhaps best for people to check
Jane
