Being a student is not an automatic ticket to free healthcare in England. While the NHS offers subsidised services, most students still pay standard charges for prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests unless you qualify for additional support. This guide explains:
Which NHS charges apply
How much you’ll pay in 2025
Who’s eligible for free care or help with costs
Practical tips to reduce your bills
For budgeting and welfare advice beyond healthcare, visit our Unilife Student Blog.
In England, each NHS prescription item costs £9.90 for 2025/26. There is no student discount – full-time students must pay this unless they qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme. Under that scheme:
HC2 certificate (full help) → prescriptions free
HC3 certificate (partial help) → reduced costs
Apply for help with health costs (HC1 form)
Most adult students pay NHS dental band charges, unless exempt by pregnancy, certain benefits or an HC2 certificate. From 1 April 2025, charges in England are:
Band 1 (£27.40)Check-up, X-rays, scale & polish, advice
Band 2 (£75.30)All Band 1 treatments plus fillings, root canal treatment, extractions
Band 3 (£326.70)All Band 1 & 2 treatments plus crowns, dentures, bridges
Urgent treatment (£27.40)Emergency care only
Most students pay for standard adult sight tests, typically £25–30 unless they meet one of the NHS eligibility criteria. You are entitled to a free NHS sight test if you are:
Aged 16–18 in full-time education
Under 16
Over 60, or have certain eye/health conditions
Named on a valid HC2 certificate
If eligible, you can also claim an optical voucher towards glasses or contact lenses.
Free NHS sight tests & optical vouchers
Check your status against NHS criteria (age, benefits, health conditions).
Apply for the Low Income Scheme via the HC1 form for HC2/HC3 certificates.
Submit evidence (student ID, bank statements) online or by post.
Help is granted on income, not on student status alone so applying early in term can save you money over the year.
NHS Help with Health Costs
HC1 form → apply online or via paper
HC2 certificate → covers full charges for prescriptions, dental and optical
HC3 certificate → partial help (some costs still payable)
Once you receive your HC2/HC3, show it at pharmacies, dental practices and opticians.
NHSBSA – Low Income Scheme
Most students who do not qualify for exemptions will pay the following standard charges (2025/26):
NHS prescription item: £9.90
Dental Band 1 check-up: £27.40
Dental Band 2: £75.30
Dental Band 3: £326.70
Urgent dental treatment: £27.40
Eye test (adult): £25–30
Apply early for HC1 → HC2/HC3 before term starts.
Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs) if you need ≥ 3 items in 3 months or ≥ 12 items in 12 months:
3 month PPC: £32.05
12 month PPC: £114.50 Community Pharmacy England
Use student-friendly opticians (e.g. chain stores that honour NHS vouchers).
Check campus services: some universities run free or low cost clinics.
Students in England do pay for most NHS prescriptions, dental care and eye tests but support exists to lighten the load. By understanding NHS charges, checking your eligibility, and applying for the Low Income Scheme early, you can minimise your out-of-pocket costs.
For more budgeting tips, information about student loans, housing advice and student life guides, explore the Unilife Student Blog.
If you have any questions about living in the UK, particularly in Southampton, Winchester or Guildford, our Unilife team is available to help.
Email: Yourspace@unilife.co.uk Call: +44(0)7446 271361
We help many students feel at home, and we would love to welcome you too.
