Free NHS prescriptions could be extended to “everyone” under a certain age. The Labour Party government and NHS have been urged to fund free NHS prescriptions for students and under-25s in England. A petition, created by Menna Christie, has been heavily backed, and is set to close down on 16 August 2026. It requires 10,000 names on it to receive a government response – and 100k signatures to secure a Commons debate. The petition states: “Extend free NHS prescriptions in England to students and everyone
under 25, recognising the financial vulnerability of young people and bringing England closer in line with the rest of the UK. READ MORE 10 travel firms collapse with holidays and trips cancelled – full list “Students and young people often live on very limited incomes, with loans that barely cover rent. Prescription charges force some to delay treatment, ration medication, or not collect it at all. “In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free. England should follow and ensure access to healthcare is based
on need, not the balance in your bank account.” As it stands, you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you’re under 16, aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full time education and aged 60 or over. If your date of birth is printed electronically on your prescription, you do not need to provide proof of your age when claiming free prescriptions. If you’re 16, 17 or 18, you may need to show proof that you’re in full time education. The NHS states: ” If
you are entitled to free prescriptions, then make sure you tick the right box on the prescription. If someone else collects the prescription on your behalf, make sure they know which box to tick. “If pharmacy staff ask for proof that you do not have to pay, show your benefit entitlement, award letter, or your exemption certificate.” You should pay and ask pharmacy staff for an NHS receipt and refund form (FP57). If you know you’re not entitled to free NHS prescriptions, or if your
exemption certificate or prepayment certificate has expired, do not claim. Pharmacy staff will tell you how much you need to pay.
free NHS prescriptions, England, under 25, students, Menna Christie, petition, Labour government, NHS prescription charges, FP57, exemption certificate
So basically England finally copying the other UK places? About time.
Not gonna lie, 60+ already get free stuff and now under 25 too? I get it, but where’s the money coming from?? Like the NHS is already broke. Also petition deadlines always seem fake.
If they’re saying you don’t need proof if your DOB is printed electronically, that means like your phone pharmacy app just handles it right? My cousin said you can just tick the box and done. This feels like another “soon” thing though, petitions don’t do anything.
I saw the headline and thought it was free prescriptions for everyone like across the whole country, not just England under some age limit. Also why do they make it complicated with FP57 and receipts and whatnot, just make it free at the counter. People shouldn’t have to delay treatment because of money, but knowing the system it’ll probably still be a fight.