Medical Exemption Certificates- Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What will be covered by the certificate?

A. Your NHS prescriptions.

Q. How long will it last?

A. A Medical Exemption Certificate will normally last for 5 years or until your 60th birthday, whichever is the sooner.

Q. How long will it be before I receive the certificate?

A. Our Medical Exemption Office will deal with your application. You should expect to receive your certificate within 10 working days of us receiving your application.

Q. I need some prescriptions now but I do not have a certificate, do I have to wait until it arrives?

A. Your certificate will start from the date one month before the date we get you application. You can claim a refund of any charges paid form that date, however, you can only claim a refund if you obtain an official NHS receipt for any charges you pay. That is form FP57 (WP57 in Wales).

Q. I have a Medical Exemption Certificate, but I have just got married and changed my name. Is it possible to have a new certificate?

A. You will need to write a letter explaining the situation and send it, with your certificate to:

NHS Business Services Authority
Help with Health Costs
Medical Exemption
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1ZL

Q. I've already paid for prescriptions, but I did not get the official NHS receipt, does that mean I cannot claim a refund?

A. Only in exceptional circumstances can a refund be made without the official NHS receipt. If you think that you had a good reason for not getting the official NHS receipt, you should submit a letter to:

Review Section
NHS Business Services Authority
PO Box 993
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE99 2TZ

explaining your reasons and enclosing any proof of payment that you have (e.g. a till receipt). Our Review Section will consider your claim in detail. However, it is unlikely that a 'lack of knowledge' would result in a refund being made.

Q. I've already got a Prescription Pre-payment Certificate, can I get the money back for it?

A. It depends on how long you've had the certificate and how long it has to run. Once you have received your medical exemption certificate, return your pre-payment certificate with a letter of explanation including your medical exemption certificate number to:

NHS Business Services Authority
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 2DE

we will let you know whether your are entitled to anything back.

Q. I have a Medical Exemption which is due to expire. How do I renew it?

A. We will send you a reminder letter, including a renewal application form about 21 days before your certificate is due to expire.

Q. I did not receive a renewal letter and my Medical Exemption certificate has expired?

A. Please contact us on 0845 601 8076 and we will advise you what to do.