HC2 certificates (full help with health costs)
If you are an asylum seeker or a refugee living in Scotland, you have the right to NHS healthcare while you are here. This briefing tells you how to get full help with your healthcare expenses.
To get help with all your health care, teeth and eyes, you need an HC2 certificate. If you apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme and receive an HC2 certificate for full help with health costs, you’re entitled to:
- free NHS prescriptions
- free NHS dental treatment
- free NHS sight tests
- help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses
- help with the cost of travelling to receive NHS treatment
- free NHS wigs and fabric supports
Find out more at hellosafe.co.uk
How to get an HC2 certificate
To get an HC2 certificate, you need to fill in an HC1 form. You can download the HC1 form here. It may also be available from your local Jobcentre Plus office or NHS hospital. A doctor, dentist or optician may also be able to give you one.
Print it and fill it in, then put it in an envelope and post it to:
NHS Low Income Scheme
NHS Business Services Authority
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SN
You will need to use a stamp.
Renewing your certificate
It's your responsibility to check your certificate's expiry date. If you have an HC2 certificate and would like to renew it, you will need to complete a new HC1 form to apply for a new HC2 certificate.
Additional information
If you need any help making your claim, you can call NHS Business Services Authority on 0300 330 1343 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm and Saturday, 9am to 3pm).
NHS Business Services Authority website: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
Contact form: nhsbsa-live.powerappsportals.com/contact-us
Last updated 12 May 2025