Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

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There are special arrangements to help people who may have trouble paying NHS prescription, dental, optical, and hospital travel costs.

The NHS prescription charge is a set amount that the government thinks is fair for those who can pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) can save you money if you need a lot of medication.

NHS charges

From 1 April 2021, the charges are:

• Prescription charge: £9.35 per item

• Three-month PPC: £30.25 (saves money if you need more than three prescriptions in three months)

• 12-month PPC: £108.10 (saves money if you need more than 12 prescriptions in a year)

For the 12-month PPC, you can pay upfront or in 10 monthly direct debit payments.

Learn more about the prescription prepayment certificate.

Free Prescriptions

The following prescriptions are free:

• medicines given at a hospital or an NHS walk-in centre
• prescribed contraceptives
• medicines given by a GP or through a patient group direction (PGD)
• medicines from a hospital or clinic for the treatment of a sexually transmitted infection, tuberculosis, or a mental disorder under a supervised community treatment order 

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