NHS Wig Prescriptions for Cancer Patients

At Wigs for Heroes, we believe that anyone experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment should have access to a wig or head covering. If you are affected by cancer-related hair loss, wigs for cancer patients can help you feel more like yourself during treatment and recovery.

If your cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, is likely to cause hair loss, your healthcare team may be able to refer you for an NHS wig prescription and fitting.

NHS Wig Prescriptions Across the UK

In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, cancer patients are usually entitled to one synthetic wig free of charge through the NHS. In England, the process is different and most patients must pay an NHS wig prescription charge unless they qualify for help with health costs.

England

In England, the NHS wig prescription charge is around £80 for a synthetic modacrylic wig, with higher costs for human hair wigs. Please check here for the most up-to-date NHS wig prescription costs.

You may be eligible for a free NHS wig if you meet certain exemption criteria, including if you are:

  • under 16, or aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education

  • a hospital inpatient when the wig is prescribed

  • entitled to a full NHS Help with Health Costs certificate (HC2)

  • receiving certain income-based benefits

  • named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate

See full eligibility criteria here.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, wigs for cancer patients and fabric head coverings are generally provided free of charge through the NHS. There is usually no prescription charge for cancer-related hair loss wigs in these nations.

Other Support for Hair Loss

For children and young people, there are also specialist charities that provide additional support. For example, The Little Princess Trust provides free real-hair wigs to children and young people under 24 who have lost their hair due to cancer or other medical conditions.

Wigs for Heroes Wig Grants

We support people receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy at North Middlesex University Hospital in London with grants towards the cost of wigs.

Apply for a wig grant