Some groups of people are exempted from the charges, but students as a whole do not have automatic exemption.
Young people aged under 19 and in full-time education are exempt from these charges other than the costs of travel to hospital. Certain other groups, such as those in receipt of low-income benefits like income support may also receive exemption – see the links below for full details of these groups.
Other groups can be exempted from specific charges. For example, if you are pregnant or gave birth in the last 12 months, you are exempted from prescription charges and charges for dental treatment. Again, the links below outline full details of the rules.
Some of the nations of the UK have abolished or reduced certain charges for their residents. In Wales and Northern Ireland, prescription charges have been scrapped entirely, with Scotland planning to scrap them from April 2012. In England, prescription charges are £7.20 in 2010/11.
Similarly, in Wales, all young people under 25 qualify for free dental examinations (but may be charged for other treatment).
If you are not exempt from charges because you do not fall into one of the categories above, you can gain whole or partial exemption if your income is low enough.
The Low Income Scheme
If you have a low income you can apply on an HC1 form for exemption from health charges.
Whether or not you qualify will depend on both your income and your essential outgoings for accommodation. If you do qualify you will be given an exemption certificate for a year, but will need to reapply annually.
HC1 forms are usually available from Jobcentre Plus offices, NHS hospitals, or advice centres in your university, college or students' union. You may also be able to get a form from your doctor's surgery, dentist or optician or you can order one by calling 0845 850 1166.
Further information