Ex-gratia application

An ex-gratia application asks the scheme's trustees to fund treatment outside your benefits, on discretionary grounds. It requires a clear motivation, supporting clinical letters and often evidence of financial hardship. Outcomes vary and there is no entitlement, but it costs nothing but time to apply and to ask for reasons if refused.

Also known as: ex gratia, discretionary funding request

Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.