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

• The current prescription charge is £9.00 (£16.40 per pair of elastic hosiery).
• A three monthly PPC is £29.10 and could save you money if you need more than three prescribed items in three months.
• A 12 month certificate is £104.00 and could save you money if you need more than 12 prescribed items in a year.

Get help with prescription costs

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

NHS prescription costs

• The current prescription charge is £9.00 (£16.40 per pair of elastic hosiery).
• A three monthly PPC is £29.10 and could save you money if you need more than three prescribed items in three months.
• A 12-month certificate is £104.00 and could save you money if you need more than 12 prescribed items in a year.

PPCs are available by 10 monthly direct debit instalment payments. The prescription prepayment certificates allow anyone to obtain all the prescriptions they need for £2 per week.

Find out more about the prescription prepayment certificate.

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