Free meds on FLR?

Hiya.  I was recently diagnosed with diabetes.  I read on the Boots website that diabetics get free medication. (Not sure if that pertains to T1, T2, or both.) Regardless, I assume this is NOT true for someone on FLR?  If so, can I expect a bit of hassle in trying to pay for the medication?

No, it is true.

If you have certain medical conditions all your prescriptions are free of charge (whether those prescriptions are for diabetes medication or not). It doesn't matter if you are on a fiance visa, spousal visa, FLR(M) or ILR. Same goes if you are pregnant - you get free prescriptions during your pregnancy and for 1 year after the baby is born.

You can't get benefits-based free prescriptions on FLR(M), for example, exemptions based on low income, but free prescriptions based on medical conditions is different - it's an exemption based on your health, not on claiming benefits.

I believe you will need to apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate as proof that you are entitled to free prescriptions.

From the NHS website:

People with certain medical conditions can get free NHS prescriptions if:

-    they have one of the conditions listed below and
-    they hold a valid medical exemption certificate.

Medical exemption certificates are issued on application to people who have:

 -   A permanent fistula (for example caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) requiring continuous surgical dressing or requiring an appliance
 -   A form of hypoadrenalism (for example Addison's disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
 -   Diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
 -   Diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
 -   Hypoparathyroidism
 -   Myasthenia gravis
 -   Myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
 -   Epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
 -   A continuing physical disability which means the person cannot go out without the help of another person. Temporary disabilities do not count even if they last for several months

Or are undergoing treatment for cancer:

-    including the effects of cancer, or
-    the effects of current or previous cancer treatment

See: http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcosts/pages/Prescriptioncosts.aspx

Oh wow, I just assumed this fell under general "benefits" and therefore, not allowed for someone without ILR or citizenship. Well, silver linings and all that...

Thanks for the info once again, Ksand!

Oh wow, I just assumed this fell under general "benefits" and therefore, not allowed for someone without ILR or citizenship. Well, silver linings and all that...

Thanks for the info once again, Ksand!

No problem .

Remember that NHS is not considered benefits, and therefore medical exemption from prescription payments isn't either. After all, if you lived in Scotland or Wales, all your prescriptions would be free anyway, whether you had a specified medical condition or not .

Ahhh, got it. I was diagnosed with skin cancer last year and had no idea (two surgeries and since been cleared).  I happened upon this info quite by accident. I will ask at my GP's office for the form. Thank you again!

Ksand - sorry to bother you again. What about VAT relief on medical products/devices? Am I allowed to claim that?  For example:

http://www.cosyfeet.com/womens-extra-wide-footwear/cosyfeet-fabric-shoes/naomi-elastane#.U10jkfldVmA

Ahhh, got it. I was diagnosed with skin cancer last year and had no idea (two surgeries and since been cleared).  I happened upon this info quite by accident. I will ask at my GP's office for the form. Thank you again!

I can confirm it is true. DW had a thyroid condition, which is also one of the conditions that give free meds - incidentally that is all your meds regardless of it they are for the condition or not. DW was informed she was eligible by her GP surgery.

Ksand - sorry to bother you again. What about VAT relief on medical products/devices? Am I allowed to claim that?  For example:

http://www.cosyfeet.com/womens-extra-wide-footwear/cosyfeet-fabric-shoes/naomi-elastane#.U10jkfldVmA

I'm afraid I don't know, actually. I didn't even know you could claim VAT relief on medical products until I read this post .

Thank you TykeMan and Ksand.

I see that "Are you eligible for VAT relief" question on a lot of diabetic things and other medical products. If I find out for sure, I will post the answer in this thread for others that may be interested.