Are you missing out on free healthcare?

The NHS provides more services than you think – and it could save you cash

The NHS has provided free ‘at the point of access’ care for decades, but are you aware of all the free screening programmes, vaccinations and other tests you may be eligible for? Here’s a rundown of what’s available.

CERVICAL SCREENING

Women and people with a cervix are offered this screening between the ages of 25 and 64 every three or five years, depending on your age and where you live. It looks for infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), and has the potential to stop you developing cervical cancer.

BREAST SCREENING

This starts at the age of 50 and is repeated every three years until the age of 69, although you can request a mammogram every three years after the age of 70.

COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

Offered to 56-year-olds and everyone between the ages of 60 and 74, there are plans to start earlier, from the age of 50. You’ll be sent a home testing kit, for which you collect a small sample of poo, which you send off to a lab for analysis. If the test finds anything unusual, you might be asked to have further tests to confirm or rule out cancer.

NHS SIGHT TEST

You’re entitled to a free sight test if you’re up to age 18 and in full-time education or if you’re 60 or over. You’re also eligible if you have diabetes or are at risk of glaucoma, if you’re registered as partially sighted or blind, and in other circumstances – for example, if you’re on Income Support.

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