What is a maternity exemption certificate?
A maternity exemption certificate entitles you to free NHS prescriptions. You can also use this certificate whilst pregnant to prove your entitlement to free NHS dental treatment.
Who can apply?
You can apply if you are pregnant or havegiven birth in the last 12 months. When will the certificate start? Your certificate will be backdated to start one month before the date we receive the application.
When will the certificate expire?
Your certificate will last for 12 months from either:
• your due date, or
• the birth of your baby
If your baby is born early, you can continue to use your certificate. If your baby is born later than expected, you can contact us to extend your certificate.
Prescription checking
It’s important that you don’t claim free NHS prescriptions until you receive your maternity exemption certificate.
Checks are made on free NHS prescriptions and free and reduced cost NHS dental treatment.
If you claim free NHS prescriptions or NHS dental treatment you’re not entitled to, or don’t hold an exemption certificate for, you could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100.
When you get your certificate, make sure that your name, address and date or birth is correct and match what is printed on your NHS prescriptions.
You can check that your certificate is valid at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/exemption
See full details on how to apply for your free exemption certificate below:
Get free NHS prescriptions with a maternity exemption certificate
