Petition · Department of Health and Social Care
Fund free NHS prescriptions for students and under-25s in England
Open for signatures
183 signatures
What the petition asks
Extend free NHS prescriptions in England to students and everyone under 25, recognising the financial vulnerability of young people and bringing England closer in line with the rest of the UK.
Students and young people often live on very limited incomes, with loans that barely cover rent. Prescription charges force some to delay treatment, ration medication, or not collect it at all. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free. England should follow and ensure access to healthcare is based on need, not the balance in your bank account.
Timeline
| 16 Feb 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
183
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
Opened
16 Feb 2026
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.