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Reading a medical bill: United Kingdom.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · Canada · Australia.

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Reading a medical bill: United Kingdom

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/reading-a-medical-bill

This sheet explains how to read and check a medical bill, invoice or charge, and where to get help where you live. It is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.

Read it

  • Who it’s from, and the account or reference number.
  • The date and charge for each line.
  • What has already been paid, and what is still owed.
  • The due date and who to call.

Check it

  • Ask for an itemized bill with every line.
  • Compare it with any estimate, quote or insurer statement.
  • Look for repeated lines, things you didn’t have and wrong dates.

Question it

  • Call or write to the billing office about specific lines.
  • Note the date, the name of the person and what they said.
  • Ask for important answers in writing.

Before you pay

  • Ask about financial help, discounts and payment plans.
  • Check whether a public scheme or refund applies.
  • Be wary of anyone demanding payment by gift card or payment app.

In the United Kingdom

  • Prescription charges. In England, most working-age adults pay a charge for each item on an NHS prescription, though some groups get them free. NHS prescriptions in Scotland and Wales are free. If you pay for many items, a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) covers them all for a set price.
  • NHS dental charges. In England, NHS dental treatment is grouped into three bands, each with its own charge. If you need treatments from different bands, you pay only the highest band. The dental professional should tell you the cost before treatment starts.
  • Refunds. If you pay a prescription charge and might be entitled to free prescriptions, ask for the FP57 receipt and refund form when you pay, as you can’t get one later. Refunds of other NHS charges, such as dental charges, use an HC5 form.
  • Check before you claim free. Check you are entitled before ticking a box for free prescriptions or dental treatment. The NHSBSA exemption checker can confirm a certificate is valid. Wrongly claiming can lead to the charge plus a penalty charge.
  • Help on a low income. The NHS Low Income Scheme can give full or partial help with prescription, dental, eye care and travel costs for people with a low income and limited savings.

Official places to check:

  • NHS Business Services Authority: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs
  • NHS (England): www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-much-nhs-dental-treatment-costs
  • NHS (England): www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/when-you-need-to-pay-towards-nhs-care
  • NHS Business Services Authority: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-if-you-have-nhs-exemption
  • NHS (England): www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/reading-a-medical-bill