Prescriptions Charges

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

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.

NHS prescription costs

NHS prescription costs and Prepayment Certificates

Prescription charge exemptions

If you need to access the services below then medicines 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 or tuberculosis.

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