Maternity exemption certificate: free prescriptions and NHS dental care

Free prescriptions and dental care are among the quiet perks of being pregnant, but you have to claim them. Here’s how it works in England, and where the rules differ elsewhere in the UK.

What is a maternity exemption certificate?

A maternity exemption certificate (MatEx) is the document that entitles you to free NHS prescriptions in England. The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) says it can also be used as proof that you’re entitled to free NHS dental treatment while you’re pregnant.

Who can get one?

You qualify if, when you apply, you’re pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months. It also covers people who have had a miscarriage or stillbirth within the last 12 months, though the NHSBSA says that after a miscarriage or stillbirth you may need to pay NHS dental charges.

How to apply

Your midwife, doctor or health visitor completes the application, usually once they confirm your pregnancy. If they use the digital service, you’ll get the certificate by email. Otherwise a paper certificate arrives within 10 working days of NHSBSA receiving the application.

It starts one month before NHSBSA receives your application, and ends 12 months after your due date or your baby’s birth. If your baby is born late, contact NHSBSA with a copy of the birth certificate to extend it.

Using it for prescriptions

When you collect a prescription, mark the box for maternity exemption (box D on the form) and sign the declaration, as NHSBSA describes.

Using it for dental care

The NHS says free NHS dental treatment in England is available if you’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months. Your dentist will need evidence. Accepted documents include a valid maternity exemption certificate or your maternity certificate (MatB1). A birth certificate or notification of birth form works after your baby arrives. See telling your employer you’re pregnant for your MatB1.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so you don’t need a maternity exemption certificate for prescriptions there (see gov.scot help with health costs and nidirect: help with health costs). Free NHS dental treatment for pregnant people and for 12 months after birth also applies in Scotland, Wales (gov.wales: NHS dental charges and exemptions, where you may be asked for evidence) and Northern Ireland (nidirect: health service dental charges and treatments). For Wales prescriptions and for the Scottish dental process, check the current government page or ask your midwife.

For other help with costs, see money help for new parents.

Questions people ask

Is dental treatment free for 12 months after the birth?

In England, the NHS says it is free if you’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months. You’ll need evidence, such as your certificate or birth certificate.

Do I need the certificate for dental care, or can I use my MatB1?

The NHS lists both a valid maternity exemption certificate and a MatB1 as accepted evidence.

How long does the certificate take?

If your midwife uses the digital service, you’ll get it by email. Otherwise NHSBSA says a paper certificate arrives within 10 working days of receiving the application.

What if my baby is born late?

Contact NHSBSA with a copy of the birth certificate to extend the expiry date.