Prescription Fees

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Prescription Fees

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

Get help with prescription costs

Prescription prepayment certificates (PPC) are available in England and can save you money.

NHS prescription costs

current prescription charge – £9.90: per item
three-month PPC – £32.05: this will save you money if you need more than three prescribed items in three months
12-month PPC – £114.50: this will save you money if you need more than 12 prescribed items in a year

PPCs are available by 10 monthly direct debit instalment payments. If you buy a 12 month PPC online or by phone, you can pay in 10 monthly instalments by Direct Debit. This payment option is not available at a pharmacy.

Find out more about the prescription prepayment certificate.

If you need to access the services below, the medicines you’re prescribed are free:

medicines administered at a hospital or an NHS walk-in centre
prescribed contraceptives
medicines personally administered by a GP
medicines supplied at a hospital or clinical commissioning group (CCG) clinic for the treatment of a sexually transmitted infection, tuberculosis, or a mental disorder for those subject to a supervised community treatment order

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website