A Medical Exemption Certificate (MedEx) is a small plastic card (or digital certificate) issued by the NHS that entitles you to free prescriptions in England.
While many people are exempt from prescription charges based on age or income, the MedEx specifically covers people with certain long-term physical medical conditions.
1. It’s the card that counts, not the illness
A common misconception is that having a condition (like Diabetes or Epilepsy) automatically makes your prescriptions free. This is not the case. You must be in possession of a valid certificate. If you claim a free prescription without one, you may be issued a £100 penalty charge plus the cost of the prescription, even if you clearly have the medical condition.
2. What does it cover?
Once you have the certificate, all of your NHS prescriptions are free. This includes:
Medication for your specific qualifying condition.
Medication for any other unrelated illness (e.g., antibiotics for an infection).
Standard items like bandages or skin creams prescribed by your GP.
Note: It does not cover dental check-ups or eye tests; those have separate exemption criteria.
3. How do you get one?
The process is entirely managed through your GP surgery:
Ask for form FP92A: You can get this from your GP's reception or during an appointment.
Fill in your details: You complete the first part; your GP (or an authorized staff member with access to your records) completes the rest to confirm your diagnosis.
Submission: The surgery sends the form to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).
Delivery: You should receive your certificate (usually by post or email) within 10 working days.
4. Duration and Renewal
Validity: The certificate lasts for 5 years.
Renewal: The NHS should send you a reminder one month before it expires. However, the responsibility to renew lies with you.
Age 60: Once you turn 60, you no longer need the certificate because prescriptions become free for everyone in that age group.
5. Using it at the Pharmacy
When you collect medicine, you tick Box E (on the back of a paper form) or declare your medical exemption to the pharmacist. Many pharmacies now use Real Time Exemption Checking (RTEC), which allows their computer system to see your digital certificate automatically, meaning you often don't even need to show the physical card anymore