NHS Prescription Charges
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, prescriptions are free of charge, this information is true as of 31st March 2021.
- Prescription charge (per item): £9.35
- 3 month PPC: £30.25. This saves you money if you need 4 or more items in 3 months
- 12 month (PPC): £108.10. This saves you money if you need 14 or more items in 12 months
NHS Exemptions
Check if you’re entitled to free prescriptions before you apply for a PPC.
It’s quickest to buy a PPC online. The PPC will start from the day you submit your application, unless you request a different start date, but the start date must be within 1 month before or after the date of your application.
If you prefer talking to someone, you can call the PPC order line on 0300 330 1341. Your certificate will be valid from the day you make the phone call, unless you request otherwise.
Make sure you have your bank details or credit or debit card details ready.
You can receive your certificate details by email if you provide an email address, print them at the end of your online application, or receive the details by post.
Although a PPC is valid from the day of your application (unless otherwise requested), it may take a couple of days to receive the details of your certificate by post. If you pay prescription charges while you’re waiting for the details to arrive, you can get a refund, as long as you get an NHS refund form (FP57) when you pay.
Some pharmacies may be able to sell you a PPC. You will not be able to pay by direct debit if you buy a PPC at a pharmacy.
Either contact your local pharmacy or view the list of registered pharmacies on the NHS Business Services Authority (BSA) website to find which ones sell PPCs.
For more information about NHS Health Costs and the following;
- Who is entitled to free prescriptions?
- Medical Exceptions
- Free prescriptions for cancer patients
- Exceptions for renal dialysis patients
- Exceptions for pregnant women
- Person(s) on low income
- Claiming refunds
- Important contact numbers