Am I entitled to a medical exemption certificate?

Hi guys, when I went to pick up my usual prescription from my pharmacy, one of the staff members told me that I should apply for a HC2 certificate as I will be charged for them when I turn 19 in July.

I've had a look around the internet and noticed that I may qualify for a medical exemption certificate because I have an underactive thyroid meaning my levothryroxine tablets are a life long treatment.

Can anyone confirm this and let me know how I should go about pursuing the certificate?

Thanks in advance.

Reply 1

myblueheaven339

Original post by suicidaloverbusiness

You can ask for a HC1 form to fill in, it will ask you about your income and overheads etc. they will then write back to you to tell you if you are entitled to help with health costs. These certificates are valid for a year so you have to reapply before it runs out.

This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

Reply 2

Tiger Rag

You have to get your GP to fill in a form for the exemption certificate. They last 5 years and aren't based on your income.

Reply 3

suicidaloverbusiness

Original post by OU Student

You have to get your GP to fill in a form for the exemption certificate. They last 5 years and aren't based on your income.

Thank you, do I need to obtain the form in advance or will my GP's surgery have one in stock?

Reply 4

Tiger Rag

Original post by suicidaloverbusiness

Thank you, do I need to obtain the form in advance or will my GP's surgery have one in stock?

Only your GP has them.

Reply 5

suicidaloverbusiness

Original post by myblueheaven339

I had a look at the NHS website and I don't think I need a HC2 certificate (i'm aware this is given after a HC1 application) if i'm entitled to a medical exemption certificate as it's not income based. Thanks for the help though, I can pass the information onto my brother who won't qualify for a medical exemption.

Reply 6

suicidaloverbusiness

Original post by OU Student

Only your GP has them.

Okay, i'll make an appointment to see him in that case. Thank you for your help. :smile:

Reply 7

Sally <3 Howl

I have a medical exemption certificate because I'm diabetic. I got a form from the doc receptionist, filled it out and then the doc just signed it.

I tend to find no one actually asks me for my card (that's what you get to prove you have an exemption certificate) if I tick the medical exemption box on the prescription for some reason =/

Reply 8

suicidaloverbusiness

Original post by Sally <3 Howl

Oh I see. Does your medical exemption certificate cover all of your prescription charges or is it focused solely on the named medical condition? Diabetes in your case.

Also, how long did it take for the whole process because I still have a good 4 months before I turn 19.

Reply 9

Tiger Rag

Original post by suicidaloverbusiness

It covers everything. So if you need antibiotics for a chest infection, they're free as well.

When I did mine back in 2008, it took 4 weeks.

Reply 10

Sally <3 Howl

Original post by suicidaloverbusiness

Like OU student said it covers everything. I also have to take cholesterol pills and I never pay for those.

It only took a couple of weeks for mine to come.

Reply 11

suicidaloverbusiness

Original post by OU Student

It covers everything. So if you need antibiotics for a chest infection, they're free as well.

When I did mine back in 2008, it took 4 weeks.

Original post by Sally <3 Howl

Like OU student said it covers everything. I also have to take cholesterol pills and I never pay for those.

It only took a couple of weeks for mine to come.

That's good because I would have had to pay a steep cost for the rest of my medication. I think I might just apply for the certificate now just to get it out of the way.

Thanks for all your help.

Reply 12

Juno

I have one and I'm sure I had to get the form before taking it to the doctor. If you're going just for that it would be worth checking that they actually have the forms first.

Sent from my GT-S5363

Reply 13

myblueheaven339

Original post by suicidaloverbusiness

Apologies, I misread your post. Thought it was a HC2 you were after.

This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

Reply 14

suicidaloverbusiness

Original post by myblueheaven339

Apologies, I misread your post. Thought it was a HC2 you were after.

This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

No worries, thanks for the help, regardless.

Reply 15

suicidaloverbusiness

Original post by Juno

I have one and I'm sure I had to get the form before taking it to the doctor. If you're going just for that it would be worth checking that they actually have the forms first.

Sent from my GT-S5363

I need to see my doctor anyway, so i'll just ask when i'm there.