Prescription charges apply only in England. NHS prescriptions are completely free for residents in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.GOV.UK
If you pay for multiple items each month, using a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) or checking your eligibility for NHS Exemptions can save you significant money each year.
1. NHS Prescription Costs
- Single Item Charge: £9.90 Community Pharmacy Enggland
- Surgical Bras / Spinal Supports / Abdominal Supports: £9.90 – £47.80 (depending on item)
- Stock Modacrylic Wigs: £80.15
- Partial Human Hair Wigs: £216.00
- Full Custom Human Hair Wigs: £315.70
2. Who Qualifies for Free Prescriptions?
You are automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions in England if you meet any of the following criteria:
Age & Education
- Under 16 years old
- Aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- Aged 60 or over
Medical & Physical Conditions
- Pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months (requires a Maternity Exemption Certificate / MatEx).
- Have a qualifying medical condition (requires a Medical Exemption Certificate / MedEx issued by your GP), including:
- Diabetes (unless controlled by diet alone)
- Cancer (including ongoing treatment or effects of cancer)
- Epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsant therapy
- Permanent physical disability preventing unassisted movement outside
- Hypoparathyroidism, Myasthenia gravis, or Hyp hypothyroidism
- Continuing stoma requiring a stoma appliance
- Have a valid War Pension / Armed Forces Compensation Scheme exemption certificate for the specific condition.
Income & Benefits
You qualify for free prescriptions if you receive:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit element)
- Universal Credit (if your net earnings fall below the required threshold for your household type)
3. NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)
If you do not meet the automatic benefit thresholds but have a low income, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme:
- HC2 Certificate: Covers full help with health costs (including free prescriptions).
- HC3 Certificate: Provides limited financial help toward dental care, eye care, and travel costs (though not prescriptions).
You can apply online via the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) or fill out an HC1 form available at local pharmacies or GP surgeries.
4. Money-Saving PPCs (Prescription Prepayment Certificates)
If you pay for more than 3 items in 3 months or more than 11 items in 12 months, buying a PPC will save you money. A PPC acts like a prescription “season ticket”—you pay a flat rate and cover as many prescribed items as you need during that period.
PPC Cost Breakdown
| Certificate Type | Cost | Monthly Direct Debit Option | Breaking Even Point |
| 3-Month PPC | £32.05 | One-off payment | 4+ items in 3 months |
| 12-Month PPC | £114.50 | £11.45/month (10 installments) | 12+ items in 12 months |
| HRT PPC (12-Month) | £19.80 | One-off payment | 3+ HRT items in 12 months |
How Much Can You Save?
- 2 items/month over a year:
- Single cost: $24 \times £9.90 = £237.60$
- With 12-Month PPC: £114.50
- Annual Saving: £123.10
- 3 items/month over a year:
- Single cost: $36 \times £9.90 = £356.40$
- With 12-Month PPC: £114.50
- Annual Saving: £241.90
5. Specific HRT Prepayment Certificate
If you are prescribed eligible Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) products, you can purchase a specialized HRT PPC:
- Cost: £19.80 per year.
- Coverage: Unlimited covered HRT medicines (patches, gels, tablets, pessaries) for 12 months.
- Note: The HRT PPC only covers specified HRT items. If you take other long-term medicines alongside HRT, a standard 12-month PPC (£114.50) may be a better option.
6. Practical Tips to Cut Prescription Costs
- Check Over-the-Counter Prices First: Medicines like standard paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, and basic cream preparations are often significantly cheaper when bought over-the-counter than via an NHS prescription charge (£9.90).
- Ask for Multi-Month Prescriptions: Discuss with your GP or pharmacist if your stable, ongoing repeat medication can be supplied in 2- or 3-month quantities to reduce recurring charge cycles where appropriate.
- Claim Back Money (FP57 Form): If you need items urgently before your PPC starts or before receiving an exemption certificate, ask for an FP57 receipt form at the pharmacy when you pay. You can use this form to claim a refund once your certificate is active.
7. How to Apply for a PPC
- Online: Visit the official NHS BSA Prescription Prepayment Page.
- By Phone: Call the NHSBSA contact center at 0300 330 1341.
- In Person: Many registered community pharmacies can issue 3-month and 12-month PPCs directly at the counter.