Help with Health Costs
Current policy
- NHS dental treatment
- Sight tests
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Necessary costs of travel to and from hospital for NHS treatment under the care of a hospital consultant
Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the principle that those who can afford to contribute should do so, while those who are likely to have difficulty in paying should be protected.
A list of current charges in Wales are contained in HC12W ' Charges and Optical Voucher Values'.
Who can get help?
People can get help on age or medical grounds or by being in receipt of one of the exempting benefits or tax credits.
For more information, see HC11W 'Are you entitled to help with health costs ?'
If you receive a tax credit you may be eligible for a NHS Tax Exempt Certificate. The NHS Business Services Authority administers the scheme on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government. You can find out more via the link below:
Low income?
People who have to pay NHS charges may be able to get help under the NHS Low Income Scheme. The amount of help is based on a comparison between a person's income and requirements at the time that a claim is made or a charge was paid. You can find more information on the NHS Business Services Authority web page below:
How do I make a low income claim?
You need to complete form HC1 - this form cannot be downloaded from the web. You must obtain a hard copy. Social Security offices and NHS hospitals should have HC1s available. Some GPs, dentists, opticians might also have them.
When you have filled in the HC1 you should send it to: Health Benefits Division, Sandyford House, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1DB - in the prepaid envelope provided.
