Follow the guidance for:
- aged under 16
- aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
- inbetween 2 full-time education courses
- NHS dental treatment
- travel costs
Aged under 16
You’re entitled to help with NHS health costs regardless of your education status.
Aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
If you're in full-time education at a school, college, university, or home schooling, you're automatically entitled to:
- free NHS prescriptions
- free NHS sight test
- a voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
- free NHS wigs and fabric supports
This applies until you turn age 19 or leave education, whichever comes first.
Workplace learning such as an apprenticeship is not considered full-time education.
Inbetween 2 full-time education courses
You're entitled to help with health costs until you turn age 19.
The offer can be conditional or unconditional, this does not affect your entitlement.
NHS dental treatment
You’re entitled to free NHS dental treatment if at the start of your treatment you’re either:
- under age 18
- under age 19 and in full-time education
Travel costs
You’re not automatically entitled to help with travel costs to receive NHS care unless your parent or guardian receives a qualifying benefit or exemption.
If you’re not entitled, you can apply for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs and apply online.