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

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

• Prescription (per item): £9.90
• 3-month PPC: £32.05 
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £114.50

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 are prescribed are free:

• medicines administered at a hospital, NHS walk-in centre or urgent treatment centre
• prescribed contraceptives
• medicines personally administered by a GP or supplied under a Patient Group Direction (PGD)
• medicines supplied by an NHS trust, foundation trust or commissioned NHS service for the treatment of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), tuberculosis, or a mental disorder for a person subject to a supervised community treatment order

Further information about prescription charges, exemptions and fees is available on the NHS website.