How to Get Free Incontinence Pads on the NHS

You may be able to get free incontinence pads on the NHS, usually after an assessment by a healthcare professional from your local continence service. Start by speaking to your GP, who can tell you about your local service and refer you. What is available depends on your local integrated care board (ICB), and pads are usually supplied for people with moderate to severe leaks.

Who can get free pads

The NHS website says you may be able to get incontinence products on the NHS depending on your local ICB, and that you may need to be assessed by a healthcare professional to qualify.

It also says that for people with severe leaks, continence clinics and district nurses can supply incontinence pads on the NHS. People with milder leaks are usually advised to buy thinner, discreet products from supermarkets or pharmacies.

How to ask for an assessment

1. Speak to your GP

Incontinence is common, and the NHS website says you should not feel embarrassed talking to your GP about it. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and may examine you. They can tell you about your local continence service and refer you.

In some areas, you can contact the continence service directly. Ask your GP surgery.

2. Continence assessment

A continence nurse or other professional will look at:

• what type of incontinence you have
• how often you leak and how much
• your general health and medicines
• what you have already tried

You may be asked to keep a bladder diary for a few days, recording what you drink, when you go to the toilet and when you leak.

3. Treatment first

The aim of the assessment is to treat the cause where possible, not just to supply pads. You may be offered pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, lifestyle advice or medicines, which can reduce or stop leaks for many people.

4. Products if you need them

If you still need products, the service will decide which are suitable and how many you need. Pads are often delivered to your home.

What you might be offered

The NHS website lists products for urinary incontinence including:

• pads and pull-up pants
• bed and chair protection
• catheters and penile sheaths
• skincare and hygiene products

NHS-supplied pads for heavy leaks tend to be larger than those sold in shops. There is usually a set number per day, based on your assessment. If the products do not suit you, or your needs change, ask for a review.

Children and young people

Children with bladder or bowel problems may also be assessed for products. Ask your GP, health visitor or school nurse about local children's continence services. Products are not usually supplied for young children who are not yet expected to be toilet trained.

If you are not eligible

If you do not qualify for NHS products, or prefer something different, you can buy them. Some people who are disabled or have a long-term condition may not have to pay VAT on incontinence products; ask the retailer.

For independent advice on products:

• the charity Bladder & Bowel UK gives advice on products and how to get them, and runs a helpline
• the Continence Product Advisor gives independent, evidence-based advice on choosing products

Ways to manage leaks while you wait

The NHS website has tips on reducing leaks, such as pelvic floor exercises, cutting down on caffeine and fizzy drinks, and keeping to a healthy weight. Washable bed pads can help with night-time leaks.

If you have new incontinence with other symptoms, such as blood in your urine, pain, or weakness or numbness in your legs, see a GP promptly or call 111.

If you live in a care home

If you live in a care home with nursing, continence care may be part of the nursing care funded by the NHS. Our guide to NHS-funded nursing care explains how that works.

Types of urinary incontinence

Knowing which type you have helps you explain your symptoms. The NHS website describes:

• stress incontinence: leaks when your bladder is under pressure, for example when you cough, laugh or exercise
• urge incontinence: leaks when you feel a sudden, intense need to pee, or soon after
• overflow incontinence: when you cannot fully empty your bladder, causing frequent leaking
• total incontinence: when your bladder cannot store any urine, so you leak constantly or very often

Some people have a mix of stress and urge incontinence. Treatment, and the right products, can differ for each type.

What to tell your GP

It can help to note down before your appointment:

• when leaks happen, and roughly how much you lose
• how often you need to pee during the day and night
• what and how much you drink, including tea, coffee and alcohol
• any medicines you take
• how incontinence affects your work, sleep and social life
• what products you currently use and how many a day

This gives your GP and the continence service a clear picture and helps them decide on treatment and products.

Incontinence pad questions

Can my GP prescribe incontinence pads?

In most areas, pads are supplied through the continence service rather than on a normal prescription. Your GP can refer you.

Do I have to pay for NHS incontinence pads?

No. Products supplied by an NHS continence service are free.

How long does it take to get pads?

It depends on your local service and waiting times. Ask your GP or the continence service.

Sources

Checked on 14 October 2026:

• NHS website: Incontinence products
• NHS website: Urinary incontinence
• Bladder & Bowel UK: Home page
• Continence Product Advisor: Home page