VAT exemption on diabetic products

[KennyA]

But who else is it designed or intended for if not a diabetic and their use? Of course anyone could use it but the .gov website is clear and says it’s deigned or intended use. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-rel...have-been-designed-solely-for-disabled-people or https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/vat-relief

I think it qualifies if the user is already diagnosed. The fact that a dr may or may not provide an annual test isn’t part of the criteria. And this goes to prove none of us know for certain and there is an element of interpreting the wording required.

I agree. Anyone could use an HbA1c, which is the point I was trying to make. It's not that the device itself is VAT-exempt, there are two factors which both have to be met: the individual has to be suitably diagnosed AND the device is used in connection with the illness diagnosed. Then (says HMRC) you can claim VAT exemption on a purchase.

So I think I could claim VAT exemption on the purchase of a home HbA1c kit - as I am diagnosed and fall within HMRC's "chronically sick or disabled" definition: and the home kit would be bought in connection with that illness that I have.

I can't think why I'd want to be spending around £50, (even reduced by 20%) on a test that my GP will take no notice of, and which is done yearly anyway at no cost to me.

 

[HSSS]

I can't think why I'd want to be spending around £50, (even reduced by 20%) on a test that my GP will take no notice of, and which is done yearly anyway at no cost to me.

Maybe because you want to check more often than your dr will test? Or you won’t/can’t go to the dr for some reason. And the test is for you and your purposes not the drs so if they take no notice who cares. Most Drs would repeat it for themselves if it were shocking though surely?

NICE guidelines actually say you should get the hba1c 6 monthly once stable, 3 monthly til then (the full feet and eye checks etc annually). Now drs can choose not to follow the guidance but it’s quite persuasive …..

 

[KennyA]

Maybe because you want to check more often than your dr will test? Or you won’t/can’t go to the dr for some reason. And the test is for you and your purposes not the drs so if they take no notice who cares. Most Drs would repeat it for themselves if it were shocking though surely?

NICE guidelines actually say you should get the hba1c 6 monthly once stable, 3 monthly til then (the full feet and eye checks etc annually). Now drs can choose not to follow the guidance but it’s quite persuasive …..

I'm using a personal example - that's my situation and I don't see why I'd pay for a home HbA1c test.

 

[Deleted member 475901]

Although as a diet controlled T2 I have to self-fund my meter and strips I do claim the VAT exemption for these. They are designed for diabetics and I have diabetes so this is legal (and I used to work for Customs, which became part of HMRC).
HMRC are strict about which products we can get the exemption for, so I cannot get my mobility scooter VAT free but can get a coccyx cushion without VAT!

 

[KennyA]

Although as a diet controlled T2 I have to self-fund my meter and strips I do claim the VAT exemption for these. They are designed for diabetics and I have diabetes so this is legal (and I used to work for Customs, which became part of HMRC).
HMRC are strict about which products we can get the exemption for, so I cannot get my mobility scooter VAT free but can get a coccyx cushion without VAT!

I used to work for the Department of Health.... ain't government wonderful.