Free prescriptions and dental care during pregnancy in the UK
Pregnancy comes with a lot to think about, and the cost of healthcare should not be one of them. Once you are pregnant, you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and free NHS dental treatment for the duration of your pregnancy and for 12 months after your baby arrives. The catch is that this does not happen automatically. You need to apply for a Maternity Exemption Certificate, and many people simply do not know this. This article explains how to claim what you are entitled to.
Free NHS prescriptions during pregnancy
From the moment you know you are pregnant, you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions. This entitlement continues until your baby is 12 months old. Importantly, the exemption covers all NHS prescriptions, not just pregnancy-related ones. If you are prescribed a medicine for something entirely unconnected to your pregnancy, it is still free.
The Maternity Exemption Certificate
To access free prescriptions, you need a Maternity Exemption Certificate (commonly called a MatEx). This is not issued automatically. You need to apply for it. Here is how:
- At your booking appointment (or at any point afterwards), ask your midwife or GP for an FW8 application form.
- Your midwife or GP completes their section of the form confirming your pregnancy and expected due date.
- You complete your section and submit the form. Your GP surgery or midwife team can often do this on your behalf.
- The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) processes the application and sends you a MatEx card by post.
You can also apply online through the NHSBSA website if your maternity service supports this. Ask your midwife at your first appointment.
Once you have your MatEx card, show it at the pharmacy counter every time you collect a prescription. The pharmacist will note it on their records and you will not be charged.
Free NHS dental treatment during pregnancy
All NHS dental treatment is free while you are pregnant and for 12 months after your due date. This covers:
- Check-ups and examinations
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Scale and polish (hygienist treatment provided as part of your NHS course of treatment)
- Dentures and other NHS treatments
To access free dental treatment, show your MatEx card at the dental reception before your treatment begins. If you attend a check-up before your card has arrived, tell the receptionist you are pregnant and that you have applied. They may ask you to sign a declaration.
Why dental care matters during pregnancy
Pregnancy hormones can make gums more sensitive and prone to swelling, bleeding and inflammation, a condition sometimes called pregnancy gingivitis. Regular dental check-ups during pregnancy help catch and treat any issues early. The NHS recommends attending your dentist as normal while pregnant, and routine dental work including local anaesthetic is safe.
Vitamins and supplements on prescription
The NHS recommends two specific supplements throughout pregnancy:
- Folic acid (400 micrograms per day) from before conception until 12 weeks, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida
- Vitamin D (10 micrograms per day) throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding
Both of these can be prescribed by your GP. Once your MatEx card is in place, prescribed folic acid and vitamin D are free of charge. Ask your GP or midwife at your booking appointment.
If you are at higher risk of a vitamin D deficiency (for example, if you have darker skin, spend little time outdoors, or wear covering clothing), your GP may prescribe a higher dose.
What if I paid before my MatEx card arrived?
If you were pregnant but had not yet received your MatEx card and paid for an NHS prescription, you can reclaim the cost. Ask the pharmacist for an FP57 refund receipt at the time you pay. This receipt allows you to apply for a refund later, once your MatEx card has arrived. You have 3 months from the date of payment to submit the refund claim.
If you did not get an FP57 at the time of payment, contact the NHSBSA helpline (0300 330 1341) who can advise on what options are available.
When does the entitlement end?
Free prescriptions and dental care continue until 12 months after your baby's birth. The exact end date is printed on your MatEx card. After this date you will need to pay the standard NHS prescription charge unless you qualify for another exemption (for example, if you have a qualifying medical condition or receive certain benefits).
If you become pregnant again within the 12-month period, you can apply for a new MatEx to extend and renew your entitlement.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get free prescriptions when pregnant?
Ask your midwife or GP for a Maternity Exemption Certificate application (FW8 form or online). Once processed by the NHSBSA, you receive a MatEx card. Show this at the pharmacy to get all NHS prescriptions free of charge.
Does free dental care cover all treatment during pregnancy?
Yes. All NHS dental treatment is free while you are pregnant and for 12 months after your due date. This includes check-ups, fillings, extractions and more. Show your MatEx card at the dental reception before treatment starts.
When does the free prescription entitlement end?
Free NHS prescriptions run until 12 months after your baby's birth. The exact date is printed on your MatEx card. After that, standard prescription charges apply unless you qualify for another exemption.
Do I need to apply for the exemption or is it automatic?
You must apply. Free prescriptions and dental care are not applied automatically. Speak to your midwife or GP at your booking appointment and ask for the FW8 form or online application. Many people miss months of free entitlement simply because they did not know they had to ask.
Can I reclaim prescription costs I have already paid during pregnancy?
Yes, if you paid before your MatEx card arrived, ask the pharmacist for an FP57 refund receipt at the time of payment. You have 3 months from the date of payment to submit a refund claim. Contact NHSBSA (0300 330 1341) if you did not receive an FP57.
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