Free prescriptions, sight tests and dental help at 60

Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.

Prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and free in England from the age of 60. NHS sight tests are free from 60 across the UK (and for everyone in Scotland). Dental care is not free on age alone, but people on Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or a low income can get help.

At a glance: the four nations

	England	Scotland	Wales	Northern Ireland
Prescriptions	Free from 60	Free for everyone	Free for everyone	Free for everyone
NHS sight test	Free from 60	Free for everyone	Free from 60	Free from 60
Dental check-up	Charged unless exempt	Free for everyone	Free from 60	Charged unless exempt
Dental treatment	Charged unless exempt	Charged unless exempt	Charged unless exempt	Charged unless exempt

This table reflects the official guidance at the time of writing (November 2026). "Exempt" generally means you get a qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or hold a low income certificate. Details follow.

Prescriptions

England

You get free NHS prescriptions once you are 60. You do not need to apply: your age is on your record, and you simply tick the box on the back of the prescription form or tell the pharmacist.

If you are under 60, you may still get free prescriptions if you:

hold a valid medical exemption certificate for certain long-term conditions
get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or your partner does (Savings Credit on its own does not count)
hold an HC2 certificate from the NHS Low Income Scheme
fall into one of the other groups listed by the NHS Business Services Authority

At the time of writing (November 2026), the NHS website gives the prescription charge in England as £9.90 per item. If you are under 60 and pay for several items, a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) caps your costs: the NHS lists it at £32.05 for three months or £114.50 for twelve months. As a rough guide, a PPC starts to save money if you need more than about one item a month.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Prescription charges have been abolished. Prescriptions are free whatever your age or income.

Sight tests

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, an NHS (or Health Service) sight test is free once you are 60. You also qualify at a younger age if, for example, you have diabetes or glaucoma, are 40 or over with a close relative who has glaucoma, or are registered as sight impaired.

In Scotland, NHS eye examinations are free for everyone who usually lives in the UK.

Tell the optician you want an NHS sight test when you book. They may ask for something showing your date of birth.

Help with the cost of glasses

This is where people are often disappointed: being over 60 gets you a free test, but not free glasses. An NHS optical voucher towards glasses or contact lenses is for people on certain benefits (including Pension Credit Guarantee Credit), people with a low income certificate, and people who need complex lenses. Our guide to optician discounts for over-60s covers the offers high-street opticians have run, and reading glasses and magnifiers looks at low-cost options.

Watch out: A sudden change in your sight, flashing lights, a curtain across your vision or a painful red eye needs urgent attention. Contact an optician, NHS 111 or your GP straight away rather than waiting for a routine test.

Dental care

There is no free NHS dental treatment on age alone anywhere in the UK, but:

In Scotland, NHS dental examinations are free for everyone. Treatment is charged unless you are exempt.
In Wales, NHS dental examinations are free if you are 60 or over. Any treatment that follows, such as an X-ray or a filling, is charged at the normal rate unless you are exempt.
In England and Northern Ireland, both check-ups and treatment are charged unless you are exempt.

In every nation, you get free NHS dental treatment if you or your partner receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or if you hold a certificate for full help under the low income scheme. Dental charges are set separately in each nation and change from time to time, so check the current figures on the official page for where you live before your appointment.

The NHS Low Income Scheme

If you do not get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit but money is tight, the NHS Low Income Scheme may help with dental charges, sight tests, glasses and travel to NHS treatment. You may get:

an HC2 certificate – full help with health costs, or
an HC3 certificate – partial help, showing how much you have to pay.

At the time of writing (November 2026), you cannot apply if you or your partner have more than £16,000 in savings, investments or property (not counting the home you live in), or more than £23,250 if you live permanently in a care home (£24,000 in Wales). Apply through the NHS Low Income Scheme page. Scotland and Northern Ireland run equivalent schemes.

Where to check and apply

England: check if you can get free prescriptions (NHS) and free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers
Scotland: help with health costs (NHS inform)
Wales: help with NHS eye care costs and NHS dental charges and exemptions (Welsh Government)
Northern Ireland: help with health costs (nidirect)

Common reasons people miss out

Paying for prescriptions at 60 to 65 in England. Free prescriptions start at 60, not at State Pension age.
Not asking for an NHS sight test. Say you are over 60 when you book.
Not claiming Pension Credit. The Guarantee Credit part brings free dental treatment and help with glasses. See our Pension Credit guide.
Never having heard of the Low Income Scheme. It is means-tested, but you do not need to be on any benefit to apply.
Claiming free treatment in error. Tick the wrong exemption box and you can be sent a penalty charge. If unsure, pay and ask for a receipt and refund form.

Common questions

Do I need a card or certificate to prove I am over 60?

No. For prescriptions in England your date of birth is normally printed on the prescription. For a sight test, the optician may ask to see something with your date of birth on it.

Are hearing aids free?

NHS hearing aids are provided on loan if an NHS audiologist decides you need them; start with your GP. Our hearing aids buying guide explains the NHS and private routes.

Can I get a refund if I paid when I did not have to?

Often, yes, if you ask for an official NHS receipt at the time and claim within the time limit. Ask the pharmacist, optician or dentist for the refund form before you pay.

Does everyone at 60 get free dental check-ups?

Only in Wales (from 60) and Scotland (everyone). In England and Northern Ireland check-ups are charged unless you are exempt.