Not everyone is given a list of all the free help available to them during chemo, invariably you find out about it from another patient in the chair next to you, or you don't find out at all.
Prescriptions alone can run to hundreds of pounds a year, and a lot of people pay it without realising they didn't have to.
Here's what's available, in plain English. We're a headwear shop rather than a benefits adviser, so treat this as a starting point and check the current details, because charges and rules change. All the info in this blog was correct as of September 2026.
Free prescriptions during chemotherapy treatment
If you're in England, prescriptions cost £9.90 an item at the time of writing. If you have cancer, you don't have to pay.
You need a medical exemption certificate, often called a MedEx. Here's how it works:
- Ask your GP, hospital doctor, clinical nurse specialist or hospital pharmacy for form FP92A
- One of them signs it to confirm you're eligible
- You post it to the NHS Business Services Authority
- The certificate arrives within about 10 working days
Three things worth knowing, because they save people money and stress.
It covers everything, not just cancer medicines. Your blood pressure tablets, your inhaler, all of it.
It's backdated one month before the date your application is received, so apply as soon as you're diagnosed.
You can claim back what you've already paid. If you pay for a prescription before your certificate arrives, ask the pharmacist for an FP57 refund receipt at the moment you pay. You cannot get one afterwards. Then claim within three months.
The certificate lasts five years. Put the expiry date in your diary, because using an expired one can land you a penalty charge of up to £100. NHSBSA usually send a reminder about a month before, though it's your responsibility either way.
If you're 60 or over, you already get free prescriptions in England and don't need to apply.
If you're in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for everyone and you dont need to apply for anything.
Can I get a free wig or surgical bra on the NHS?
This one varies as follows:
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: wigs and fabric supports, which includes things like surgical bras, are free through the NHS.
England: there's normally a charge, but you don't pay if you're an inpatient when it's supplied, under 16, aged 16 to 18 in full-time education, or hold a valid HC2 certificate for full help with health costs. An HC3 certificate gets you partial help. You may also qualify through certain benefits, including Universal Credit if you meet the criteria.
If you're registered with a GP in Wales but treated in England, there are separate arrangements, so check with your hospital.
Not everyone wants a wig. Plenty of people find a soft hat or head scarf more comfortable and easier to live with, and there's no obligation to take a wig just because it's offered.
Help with hospital travel costs
The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme refunds reasonable travel to NHS appointments. It's a refund on receipts rather than money up front.
The important caveat is that this one is means-tested, not automatic because you have cancer. To qualify you or your partner need to be receiving a qualifying benefit, or meet the criteria for the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Qualifying routes include Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit within certain earnings limits, and holding a valid HC2 certificate.
If you're not on benefits but money is tight, apply to the Low Income Scheme with form HC1. It's free to apply, and if you qualify you get an HC2 or HC3 certificate which then unlocks travel costs, wigs and other help. A lot of people assume they won't qualify and never send it off.
A few practical points:
- Keep every ticket and receipt
- Claim within three months of the appointment
- You can claim for someone travelling with you if your clinician says it's medically necessary
- Many hospitals will pay you on the day at the cashier's office if you bring proof
Hospital parking
Separately from all of the above, many hospitals offer free or reduced parking for cancer patients having regular treatment.
It's rarely advertised so ask at the chemo unit reception or the cancer information centre rather than the main car park desk. Some trusts issue a pass covering your whole course of treatment, which over months of appointments is a serious saving.
Benefits worth looking into
We're well outside our expertise here, so this is a pointer rather than advice.
Depending on your situation and how treatment affects you, you may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance if you're over State Pension age, Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit. Carers may be able to claim Carer's Allowance.
There are also special rules that fast-track claims for people who are terminally ill.
Macmillan's Support Line is free on 0808 808 00 00 and their benefits advisers will go through your situation properly and help with forms. This is the single most useful call you can make, and it's what they're there for. Citizens Advice and Maggie's centres also do this well.
Macmillan also offer one-off grants for things like heating bills, travel and clothing. Ask your clinical nurse specialist or ring the support line.
Free things that aren't money
While we're on the subject, there's a fair amount available at no cost that people never hear about.
- Look Good Feel Better run free skincare, make-up, brows and lashes workshops for anyone with a cancer diagnosis
- HeadWrappers run free online scarf-tying sessions
- Maggie's centres offer free practical and emotional support, with no appointment needed
- Most hospitals have a cancer information centre with someone whose job is exactly this
We've collected more in our guide to free support and resources for cancer patients.
Where to start
If you do one thing today, get the FP92A form. It takes ten minutes and saves the most money for the least effort.
If you do two things, make the second one a call to Macmillan. They'll spot things you'd never think to ask about, and they do it every day.
None of this makes treatment easier, but it does mean you're not paying for things you were never meant to pay for, at a point when you've got quite enough to think about.
Frequently asked questions
Do cancer patients get free prescriptions in the UK? Yes. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland prescriptions are free for everyone. In England you need a medical exemption certificate, applied for using form FP92A signed by your GP or hospital doctor.
How long does a medical exemption certificate take? Around 10 working days from when NHSBSA receive your form. It's backdated to one month before they receive it, so apply as early as you can.
Can I claim back prescriptions I've already paid for? Yes, but you must ask the pharmacist for an FP57 refund receipt at the time you pay. You can't get one later. Claim within three months.
Are wigs free on the NHS for cancer patients? In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, yes. In England there's usually a charge unless you hold an HC2 certificate, are an inpatient, are under 16, or are 16 to 18 in full-time education.
Can I get help with hospital travel costs? Possibly. The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme is means-tested rather than automatic for cancer patients. You need a qualifying benefit or to meet the NHS Low Income Scheme criteria. Apply with form HC1 if you're unsure.
How long does a medical exemption certificate last? Five years. Note the expiry date, because using an expired certificate can result in a penalty charge of up to £100.
We're a headwear company, not benefits advisers, and rules and charges change. Check current details with NHSBSA or ring Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00.
