Help with prescriptions, wigs, dental and eye care costs
If you're living with a terminal illness, you might be able to get help with the costs of prescriptions, dental care, eye care, and wigs.
On this page:
Help with prescription costs
Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Most adults in England have to pay for their prescriptions, but you might be able to get free prescriptions if you meet certain criteria. Visit the NHS website to see if you're eligible for free prescriptions and how to get them.
Help with dental costs
If you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland and meet certain criteria, you could get free dental care. Find out the criteria for free dental care in each of these UK regions:
- If you live in England visit the NHS Business Services Authority website.
- If you live in Wales visit GOV.WALES.
- If you live in Northern Ireland visit nidirect.
In Scotland, everyone can get free NHS dental check-ups, but most adults have to pay for NHS dental treatment. You could get free dental treatment if you're eligible. Visit gov.scot to check who's eligible for free dental treatment in Scotland.
Help with eye care
If you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland and meet certain criteria, you could get help with the costs of eye care. This could include free sight tests and help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses. Find out the criteria for help with eye care in each of these UK regions:
- If you live in England visit NHS.UK.
- If you live in Wales visit GOV.WALES.
- If you live in Northern Ireland visit nidirect.
In Scotland, everyone can get free eye tests. Some people may be eligible for help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses. Visit NHS Inform to find out who is eligible for financial help with glasses and contact lenses.
For England, Wales and Scotland only: visit the NHS Business Services Authority online checker to see what help you could get with eye care costs.
Paying for wigs
Most adults in England need to pay for wigs and fabric supports, but you could get these for free if you meet certain criteria. Find out who can get free wigs and fabric supports on the NHS Business Service Authority website.
If you live in Scotland or Wales, you can get free wigs and fabric supports through the NHS.
If you live in Northern Ireland you can get free wigs and fabric supports through the Health Service.
If you are aged 24 or under, you might be eligible for a free wig through the Little Princess Trust. Find out more about the Little Princess Trust on their website .
Useful websites
nidirect – help with health costs in Northern Ireland
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About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
