You can apply for a maternity exemption certificate if:
- you’re pregnant
- you’ve given birth in the last 12 months
This entitles you to free NHS prescriptions.
If you're entitled to a certificate, your doctor, midwife, or health visitor can apply online on your behalf. Certificates are issued within 24 hours of your application being submitted.
If your doctor, midwife, or health visitor cannot apply online, they must submit an FW8 application form. Certificates are issued within 10 working days of us receiving your application.
You must reapply for a maternity exemption certificate if you become pregnant whilst holding a valid certificate as certificates cannot be extended.
If you need an NHS prescription before your maternity exemption certificate arrives, you must pay and ask the pharmacy for an FP57 receipt. You can use this to apply for a refund once you receive your certificate.
Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs and apply online.