Physical health

Paying for healthcare

Generic medicine

Pharmacies will sell a wide range of medicines over the counter and for a certain kind of
medicine there may be several brand names available.  You can ask for a generic alternative
to these medicines which will often be cheaper.  Simply take the medicine to the till and ask if
they have a generic alternative.

Prescriptions: do I have to pay?

Students may be able to claim free prescriptions and dental treatment if they fall under one of
the following groups. If you think you may be eligible it is always worth applying as you may
have part of your costs met by the NHS.
You may be eligible to claim money back for healthcare if:
 • you are under 18, or under 19 and in full time education
 • you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
 • you have a low income
 • you are on any form of benefit

If you think you may be eligible, you should fill in an HC1 form, which is available in doctors’
surgeries, chemists or from your college nurse. Always get a receipt for treatment and
prescriptions which you have, as you may be able to claim some or all of this money back.