Exemption

ig-ZEMP-shuhn /ɪɡˈzempʃən/

Formal Neutral

What it really means

Some people don't pay prescription charges in England — for example under-16s, over-60s, pregnant women with an exemption certificate, and people with certain conditions or on certain benefits. The pharmacy form asks you to tick your reason.

Chinese explanation

减免资格：在英格兰，部分人群免交处方费，如16岁以下、60岁以上、持豁免证明的孕妇、某些疾病患者或领取特定福利者。取药时在表格上勾选相应理由即可。

Example conversation

A: Do you pay for your prescriptions? B: No, I have an exemption because of my medical condition.

A：你的处方药要付费吗？ B：不用，我因为身体状况有豁免资格。

What you could say back

No spoken reply needed for this one.

Related phrases

Prescription charge Prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

Go deeper

Dentists and Opticians in the UK: Costs, NHS Bands and How to Get Seen How the NHS Works: Where to Go When You Are Ill in England Mental Health Support in the UK: Where to Turn and How It Works

All Healthcare & NHS

Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake