Refunds - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have already paid for some prescriptions. How do I claim this money back?

A. Send a completed form HC1 to the Patient Services (unless you already have a valid certificate). Patient Services will assess your circumstances at the time you paid the charge(s).

You must get an official NHS receipt, form FP57, from your pharmacist when your prescription is dispensed. You cannot get one later. Send this with your HC1 claim.

If you are entitled, Patient Services will send you an authorised form to take back to your pharmacist. The pharmacist will refund the cost of your prescription(s).

Q. I have already paid for some health costs (not prescriptions). Can I get this money back?

A. We will assess your circumstances at the time you paid the charge. You need to complete form HC5 appropriate to the charge you paid, which should be sent with a completed HC1 claim form (unless you already have a valid certificate). To request an HC5 telephone our Customer Contact Line on 0845 850 1166. Alternatively, you can get form HC5 from a Job Centre Plus or NHS hospital. If you are entitled to a refund, we will authorise the payment and send notification to the relevant paying authority or hospital who will refund the money.

If you are entitled to a refund, the Patient Services will authorise the payment and send notification to the relevant paying authority or hospital who will refund the money.

Q. What do I need to send?

A. You must send your original receipt(s) with your completed claim form(s).

If you are claiming a refund of the cost of glasses or contact lenses, you must send a copy of your optical prescription with the receipt.

Q. Is there a time limit for claiming money back?

A. Refunds have to be claimed within 3 months of the date you pay the charge. The time limit can be extended if there were exceptional circumstances that prevented you from claiming within 3 months.

Q. What happens if I have paid dental charges in instalments?

A. You must claim within 3 months of the date you pay the last instalment. Send your original receipts with your completed HC1/HC5 forms. To request an HC1/HC5 claim form click here, or telephone our Customer Contact Line on 0845 850 1166.