Money & Rights

Do I get free prescriptions and dental care while pregnant?

Q: Do I get free prescriptions and dental care while pregnant?

Yes — every pregnant woman in the UK gets free NHS prescriptions and free NHS dental treatment, regardless of income. You need a Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx), which your midwife or GP arranges — it usually takes a few weeks to arrive, so ask early in pregnancy. It stays valid throughout pregnancy and for 12 months after your baby is born.

What it actually covers

A MatEx certificate gets you free NHS prescriptions (any medication, not just pregnancy-related) and free NHS dental treatment (check-ups, fillings, and other NHS dental work) for the duration of pregnancy and a full 12 months after birth — regardless of your income or employment status. This is separate from, and doesn't require, any benefits claim.

How to get one

Ask your GP or midwife at an early appointment — they'll give you an FW8 form to complete, which they countersign to confirm the pregnancy, and it's sent off for you. The certificate itself can take a few weeks to arrive, so it's worth starting the process as soon as you can rather than waiting until you need a prescription.

In the gap before it arrives

If you need a prescription before your MatEx certificate arrives, ask your pharmacist — you can usually sign a form at the point of collection declaring you're pregnant and awaiting the certificate, which still gets you the prescription free while it's processed.

Health answers describe NHS guidance and are not medical advice — for anything urgent, call 111 (or 999 in an emergency). Spotted something out of date? Email editors@clevermum.co.uk.