When, if ever, will i have to pay for NHS treatment? [UK]

Question

Hi,

I've always received free treatment and i'm not sure what'll happen next. I'm 18, finished my A levels in July this year and hopefully am going to university late September. I recently went to the doctors, late July, and got a ton of medication for a skin problem. On the prescription slip i ticked the '16-19 years of age and in further education' box but since my dentists failed to send me an appointment when i called them about it they said i was no longer with them because i was supposed to make an appointment myself (wasn't told) so now i am without dentist. I know of some dentists in my area that take on new nhs patients (including those that are exempt from payment) but will i have to pay seeing as how i'm no longer in further education? I read a while ago that those in higher education (uni) had to pay when they turned 19 years old, is that right? My parents don't pay for their treatment (i guess because of low income?) does this mean i'll be exempt too?

Confused, please help.

Answer 1

when you start a full time job.

Answer 2

As a student you can get a HC1 form to help with prescriptions and other medical costs such as the dentist and opticians.  Depending on if you have a part time job, your loan and any other income you have you could get it all free. The form is to be filled out by people struggling with health costs so I imagine if your parents dont pay then this is the reason.

I always got my dentist bills free throughout uni after filling in this form.  However, I am in Wales so I know its slightly different with prescriptions as I think we get everything free til 25 which England dont do.  But the HC1 form can get you support.  Plus at your uni there will be a student support service that have some type of grant fund for students that are struggling with money for important things ... and your health qualifies so dont worry.