Access to treatment
You qualify for a medical exemption certificate if you are receiving treatment for:
cancer
the effects of cancer
the effects of cancer treatment
You can get a form to apply for the certificate from your GP, pharmacy or cancer clinic. Your GP or hospital doctor will need to sign the form. You usually get the certificate within 10 days of the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) receiving your form.
Once you have the certificate, you won't have to pay for any prescriptions. This includes medicines that aren't related to your cancer treatment. You show the certificate to the pharmacist when you go to get your medicines.
If you need to pay for any prescriptions before your exemption certificate arrives, you can get a refund. You need to ask for an FP57 refund receipt at the time you pay for the prescription. The refund receipt has details on how to get the refund. You must claim your refund within 3 months of paying for your prescription.
You might not need an exemption certificate if you are already able to get free prescriptions. For example, if you are:
over 60 years old
under 16 years old
you are receiving certain benefits
you have certain other medical conditions
Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or specialist nurse if you are not sure whether you are able to get free prescriptions. You can also visit the NHS website to find out who can get free prescriptions.
Check if you can get free prescriptions on the NHS website
If you have a cancer related medical exemption certificate, it lasts for 5 years. You can renew it after this time if you still meet the criteria.
It is important to check the expiry date on your certificate. You will usually receive a reminder around one month before it expires. If you do not receive a reminder, contact your GP or doctor before the certificate runs out.
Check if your medical exemption certificate is still in date on the NHSBSA website
Last reviewed: 18 Sept 2026
Next review due: 18 Sept 2029
You might earn less when having cancer. But there are government benefits that you might qualify for if you have cancer or care for someone with cancer. There are people who can advise you about your financial situation and help you apply for benefits.
Coping with cancer can be difficult. There is help and support available. Find out about the emotional, physical and practical effects of cancer and how to manage them.
There are several decisions to be made about a cancer treatment before you can have it on the NHS or HSC.
Search for the cancer type you want to find out about. Each section has detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and coping with cancer.
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Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
