Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
- Prescription (per item): £9.90. Prescription charges are for each item not each prescription. For example, if your prescription has 3 medicines on it you will have to pay the prescription charge 3 times.
You can get free NHS prescriptions if:
- You are aged 60 or over
- You are under the age of 16
- You are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
- You are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate
- You have a valid medical exemption certificate
- You hold a valid War Pension exemption certificate, and the prescription is for your disability
- You have a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
- You are an NHS inpatient
- You can also received free NHS prescriptions if you claim some benefits. The Government has a five-minute online survey that will let you know if you can get free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests. Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs – NHSBSA
If you know you’ll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC).
Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPC):
There are x3 PPC options:
- a 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months
- a 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year
- a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC costs £19.80 and will save you money if you need more than 2 prescribed qualifying HRT items in a year
A PPC for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) covers an unlimited number of some HRT medicines for 12 months, including if they’re prescribed for something other than menopause symptoms. Find out more about the HRT PPC from the NHS Business Services Authority website.
How to apply for a PPC:
- Check if you can get free prescriptions before you apply for a PPC.
- You can buy an NHS prescription prepayment certificate online. The PPC will start from the day you submit your application, unless you ask for a different start date. The start date must be within 1 month before or after the date of your application.
- You can also apply using the PPC order line on 0300 330 1341. Your PPC will be valid from the day you make the phone call, unless you request otherwise.
- Some pharmacies may be able to sell you a 3-month PPC or the HRT PPC, which will be valid from the day you purchase it.
