Veterans in the UK don’t get very much for free, but there is a lot of free support worth claiming that is often forgotten or ignored. The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, for example, is completely free and opens up free access to mental and physical health services as well as free welfare advice from military charities and, in some cases, free travel and will-writing.
Our guide outlines what veterans can genuinely get for free, what is discounted and what eligibility criteria there may be.
Before we go any further, it’s worth noting that many online searches for “free stuff for veterans” actually point towards discounts rather than free items or only offer items at no cost, subject to specific conditions being met. We’ll outline the differences so you know what you are eligible for and what may incur any charges.
What is the Veteran Card?
The HM Armed Forces Veteran card is free to apply for and is perhaps the most useful thing veterans can get their hands on. It’s a quick and easy way to prove your veteran status and one of the easiest ways to help you gain access to anything veterans can get for free.
If you left the armed forces in 2019 or later, your card should have been issued automatically when you left the service. If you left earlier, you need to apply online. It’s a no-cost application, and now, rather than wait for a physical card, you can download a digital version straight to your phone.
The card, along with proving your veteran status, can also be used as:
- Photo ID when voting in UK elections
- ID for domestic flights with British Airways and easyJet
- A route to access free health, welfare and employment support
What veterans can get for free
With the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, access to a range of services becomes much easier, and in most cases, free. We’ve outlined them below.
Free health and well-being support through the NHS
Veterans can access free, dedicated NHS services that are specifically designed for those with an Armed Forces background. When you register with a GP, tell them you are a veteran and show your card if requested. This will be recorded in your file and put you in a position to receive priority treatment for any conditions relating to your service at no cost.
Two specific NHS services specifically beneficial to veterans are Op Courage and Op Restore.
- Op Courage: Veterans’ mental health and wellbeing service. Free to access and staffed by people who understand military life.
- Op Restore: Support for veterans with physical health problems linked to their military service. Free, but does require a GP referral.
For some veterans, prescriptions are also free, but there are specific conditions. You will only be eligible for free prescriptions as a veteran if:
- You hold a war pension exemption certificate
- The medication is for your accepted disability
- You are under 60 (those over 60 already get free prescriptions)
You can request the certificate from Veterans UK, but it’s best to speak to them first to ensure you match the eligibility requirements. It’s better to check than assume; you might find yourself paying for items you get for free, or expecting no charge when you are required to pay full price.
Free advice and welfare support
A very valuable free service for veterans is expert advice and welfare support. It’s provided at no cost by a network of organisations and can be a quick way to find out what you are entitled to.
Veterans UK is a Ministry of Defence agency and runs a free helpline that covers benefits, pensions and welfare. You can speak to their team by calling 0808 1914 218 and get tailored advice.
Additionally, the following organisations also provide similar support and guidance relating to benefits, welfare grants and more:
For Royal Navy veterans, SAIL (Seafarers’ Advice & Information Line) provides similar support to former personnel and their families.
Claiming benefits, understanding your options, and even knowing how to apply can be overwhelming. These schemes provide free support to help you apply and understand whether you qualify for any financial, physical or mental support.
Free travel
Free travel for veterans is another item that often has a blurred understanding. There is some free travel, but it is mainly focused on London. For veterans living in the capital and receiving ongoing payments under the War Pensions Scheme or the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, the Veterans Oyster photocard is available. This provides free travel at any time across the TfL network.
Outside of London, free travel isn’t generally available. The Veterans’ Railcard exists, but this is a paid discount card, and not a free entitlement.
Things veterans can get for free but often miss
There is a range of other no-cost benefits for veterans, but they are often missed or overlooked. They currently include:
- Free will-writing: Many military charities run free will-writing schemes, and the annual Free Wills Month is open to eligible older adults. A free will, written professionally, is a truly meaningful saving for the potential benefits that beneficiaries receive.
- Free event tickets: Tickets for Troops provides free tickets to sporting events, concerts and days out for those medically discharged since 2001. Free tickets are also available for family members.
- Voter ID: In UK polling stations, your Veteran Card will count as an accepted form of ID, saving you the costs of applying for other forms of ID, such as a passport.
- Employment support: Free access to schemes such as Great Place to Work for Veterans, Going Forward into Employment and Step into Health, all aimed at helping you make the transition into civilian work.
- Housing support: Op Fortitude helps veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Free vs discounted help for veterans
A quick online search shows that quite often, the distinction between free and discounted for veterans is a little blurred. Our table outlines the benefits and eligibility.
| Benefit | Genuinely free? | Who qualifies? |
| HM Armed Forces Veteran Card | Yes | All veterans |
| Op Courage/Op Restore | Yes | All veterans (Op Restore needs GP referral) |
| Welfare advice (Veterans UK, SSAFA, Royal British Legion) | Yes | All veterans |
| NHS prescriptions | Conditional in England, free everywhere in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland | War Pension exemption certificate, accepted disability, under 60 (England only) |
| Veterans Oyster photocard | Conditional | London residents on War pension or AFCS payments |
| Will writing | Free | Through participating charities |
| Tickets for Troops | Free | Medically discharged since 2001 |
| Veterans Railcard | No (Discount on travel) | All UK veterans (proof of service required) |
| Defence Discount Service | No (Paid card to receive various discounts) | Veterans, serving personnel, reserves, MOD civil servants & eligible family |
| Blue Light Card | Discount | All HM Armed Forces Veterans |
A worthwhile veteran’s expense
Some of the things you may treasure most may stem from your time serving your country. Medals or memorabilia, for example. Alongside those, you’ll have your family home, and protecting these valuable assets is well worth a small outlay. At Trinity Insurance, we provide specially tailored veterans home insurance built for your life after service. As standard, we include cover for military medals and memorabilia, as well as home emergencies. This way, you can have added reassurance that your items of sentimental and financial value are protected.
To further support our veterans, we donate £5 to a military charity of your choice for every policy taken out with us. Combine your policy with building and contents insurance, and you could save up to 15% too. If you’d like to know more, request a call back or speak to our military insurance experts by calling 01243 817 777.
What do veterans get for free in the UK FAQS
Do all veterans get free prescriptions in the UK?
No. Free prescriptions are available to veterans who hold a war pension exemption certificate, and only for medications relating to their accepted disability. They should also be under 60. Veterans in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland get free prescriptions regardless of age.
Is the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card Free?
Yes. Applying for the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is completely free. If you left the service in 2019 or later, you should have received one automatically. If you left earlier, you can apply online at no cost.
Do veterans get free stuff on Armed Forces Day or Remembrance Day?
Occasionally. Some businesses or attractions may run one-off free entry or special discounts on these days. These are not fixed and may be withdrawn or altered at any time.
How do I prove I am a veteran to claim any benefits that I’m eligible for?
The easiest way is to have your HM Armed Forces Veteran Card. Without it, you may have to rely on discharge documents or service documents to prove eligibility. With it, you can receive discounts or free services much more easily.