Prescription Fees

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

  • those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
  • those who are age exempt
  • those with certain medical conditions
  • More information is available at NHS Choices

NHS Charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

  • Prescription (per item): £9.65
  • 3-month PPC: £31.25
  • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

  • Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
  • General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

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

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

Help with HRT Prescription costs

Help with HRT prescription costs

You can get an HRT prescription prepayment certificate (HRT PPC) from the NHS if you’ve been prescribed an eligible hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicine.

What you’ll get

The HRT PPC costs £19.30 for 12 months.

It will cover all your eligible HRT prescriptions for that period, no matter how many different medicines you need. There’s no limit on the number of HRT prescription items you can get with it while it’s valid.

You’ll save money if you’re going to buy more than 2 prescription items in 12 months.

If you have prescriptions for medicines that are not eligible

If you have other prescriptions that are not for eligible HRT medicines, you may save more with a 3 or 12 month standard PPC.