While the majority of NHS services and products are free, providing healthcare to people in need across the UK, there are a few instances when patients will be presented with a bill at the end of their appointment. NHS patients typically have to pay for prescriptions, dental care, eye care and wigs and fabric supports.
In all these situations, exemptions may be applicable based on your age, income and benefits. The NHS provides a handy checker tool that can identify which entitlements and exemptions you qualify for. If you are eligible for free items or care, you will need to present evidence.
This is usually in the form of benefit award notices, exemption certificates or prescription prepayment certificates. If you falsely claim free NHS services that you’re not entitled to, you could face paying the original charge as well as a £100 penalty. Individuals may also face prosecution for an offence.
Most of these NHS services and items come with fixed costs. For example, this year in England, the standard cost for a prescription item is £9.90. This is per item, not per prescription, so if you’re prescribed three medications simultaneously, you’ll have to fork out £29.70.
NHS wigs and fabric support costs are also set:
- Surgical bra – £32.50
- Abdominal or spinal support – £49.05
- Stock modacrylic wig – £80.15
- Partial human hair wig – £212.35
- Full bespoke human hair wig – £310.55
As for dental care, the cost will depend on the treatment you require. It will fall into one of three bands ranging from simple management and minor adjustments to creating dentures and custom-made appliances.
If your treatment spans multiple bands, you’ll pay for the highest applicable band. The dental professional should inform you of this cost before commencing treatment.
Dental band charges
- Band 1 – £27.40
- Band 2 – £75.30
- Band 3 – £326.70
Some dental treatments are free of charge. This includes having stitches removed, repairing dentures or if your dentist needs to stop bleeding from your mouth, for example following a tooth extraction.
If you require emergency dental treatment, it typically costs £27.40 and can include a variety of treatments from x-rays to the extraction of up to two teeth. You can find more detailed information about specific dental costs on the NHS website.
It’s always wise to confirm your eligibility for exemptions before claiming them. If you’re uncertain about your exemption, the NHS advises paying the charge and then seeking a refund if it transpires that you were indeed eligible.
