New guidance: HC2 certificates for people seeking asylum

NHS England has released new guidance on supporting HC2 application for people seeking asylum. The guidance is aimed at professionals supporting asylum seekers around access to healthcare and prescriptions, and outlines the process for completing HC1 forms and receiving a HC2 certificate.

A HC2 certificate entitles individuals to free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, wigs and fabric support, sight tests, vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses, and necessary travel costs to and from hospital for NHS treatment under the care of a consultant.

A person being housed in hotel contingency accommodation while waiting for a decision on their asylum claim can receive as little as £8 per week in support payments. A recent report by Asylum Matters highlights the devastating impact of living on asylum support and the effect of the rising cost of living: 75% of those surveyed reported not being able to afford the medicines they need and 95% reported not being able to afford travel costs. 

We know that cost-related factors can be a major barrier to accessing primary care. People who have low or no income are eligible to apply for an HC2 certificate to help with health costs, regardless of their nationality and/or immigration status. All asylum seekers are entitled to a HC2 certificate, and some receive theirs automatically, but many will need to complete a HC1 form to apply for it. This often means they miss out on this support, as they are not aware of it or aren’t able to complete the form. 

We recommend GP practices keep hard copies of the HC1 form in their reception area to distribute to anyone who may be struggling with health costs. You can also signpost patients to organisations such as Migrant Help (0808 8010 503) who can support, as well as to NHS advice in other languages

Please follow this link to read the full guidance