Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Cancer patients in England can apply for a certificate to allow them to receive their prescriptions free of charge. All patients undergoing treatment for cancer, including the effects of cancer or the effects of current or previous cancer treatment, can apply for an exemption certificate. This applies to patients receiving private health care, as well as to NHS patients.
What is a medical exemption certificate (MedEx)?
A medical exemption certificate (MedEx) means that you do not have to pay the charges for NHS prescriptions. Patients aged 60 years or over are already exempt from NHS prescription charges and need not apply for a MedEx.
What does the MedEx cover?
As a cancer patient, the certificate will give you exemption from NHS prescription charges for all prescription items, not just those for cancer. The medical exemption is not intended for patients who have been treated and are now clear of cancer with no further treatment planned. Treatment does not include routine follow-ups.
How long does the certificate last?
The exemption certificate for cancer patients lasts for five years and you can use it up until its end date even if your cancer treatment finishes during this period. At the end of the five year period, you may make an application for a new exemption certificate if you are undergoing treatment for: cancer, the effects of cancer, and/or the effects of cancer treatment.
How long before I receive the certificate after applying?
You can expect to receive your MedEx within 10 days of your application being received. If you need a prescription before your certificate arrives, ask your pharmacist for an FP57 receipt. You will be able to use this to claim a refund at a later date, but within 3 months of paying for the prescription.
Definitions
- ‘Undergoing’ means continuing treatment, rather than just one episode of treatment. For example, nitrogen freezing of a skin lesion with no further treatment planned would not be classed as on-going treatment, whereas if you are having a course of chemotherapy, you would be classed as ‘undergoing treatment’.
- ‘Cancer’ means any diagnosed cancer rather than suspected cancer where no biopsy or diagnostic test has been carried out.
- ‘The effects of cancer’ includes palliative care if treatment for the cancer itself has stopped. An example of palliative care would be painkillers. It also includes effects directly related to cancer that did not exist before the diagnosis.
- ‘The effects of treatment for cancer’ may relate to current treatment or previous treatment and may occur some time after the treatment period. The effects of cancer include all the side effects of chemotherapy and the late effects of radiotherapy.
How do I apply for a medical exemption certificate MedEx?
You can only apply for MedEx once you have a cancer diagnosis. In order to apply, you will need a form FP92A. You can get this from your GP, hospital doctor (consultant) or your cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (Key Worker) and it must be signed by one of them. FP92A forms are also available from the pharmacy at Frimley Park Hospital.
Patients who are waiting to receive their certificate will be able to get a refund for any prescription charges for items dispensed before it arrives. To obtain a refund, ask your pharmacy for an FP57 receipt at the time of payment, and claim within 3 months.
How do I use the MedEx?
You may need to show your MedEx certificate to the pharmacy when you collect any prescriptions. Mark box “E” on the prescription form and sign the declaration. If you are unsure whether you qualify for exemption, ask your GP or hospital doctor.
Further information
Further information about free prescriptions can be found on the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk
For advice on financial issues, you can contact:
The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre at Wexham Park Hospital. We are based at the main entrance to the hospital.
Telephone: 03006 154886
Email fhft.
We can make an appointment for you to see our Macmillan CAB advisors for a benefits assessment. We also offer emotional support and signpost other support available, for example, practical help and complementary therapies.
Macmillan Cancer Support
A national charity offering information about cancer (including a range of publications), practical and financial information, and emotional support.
Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
Website: www.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Cancer care service.
About this information
Service:
Cancer care
Reference:
HH/028
Approval date:
11 April 2024
Review date:
1 April 2026
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.