Support eligible patients to get an NHS maternity exemption certificate

Although some patients are automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions, others need to apply for an exemption certificate before they can claim free NHS prescriptions.

Patients who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months are only entitled to free NHS prescriptions if they have a maternity exemption certificate.

Checks are made on free NHS prescriptions to prevent and detect fraud or error. If a patient claims free prescriptions that they’re not entitled to, they could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100.

Midwives and health visitors should help eligible patients to apply for the certificate. You can complete an online application if you’re registered for the digital maternity exemption service. Alternatively, complete the paper FW8 form.

The NHS Business Services Authority want to help patients to claim free NHS prescriptions correctly and have made improvements to the digital service to enable more healthcare professionals to self-register online.

For more information about the maternity exemption service read the new digital guide.