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 charges
Not all prescriptions are FREE OF CHARGE, use this handy website to see if you are ELIGIBLE FOR FREE PRESCRIPTIONS
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/penalty-charges-dont-get-caught-out/check-you-tick
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
- Prescription (per item): £9.10 (as from 1/4/2020)
- 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): check on PPC website
- 3-month PPC: check on PPC website
If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website
Patients who have prescription items owed by the chemist because they are not in
stock have 28 days to collect the item/s or a new prescription will be generated
and the patient will have to pay the prescription charge again.