NHS Prescription Charges

From the 1st May 2024 the prescription charge will be £9.90 per item.

You can get free NHS prescriptions if you:

Or if you receive, or are entitled to or named on:

  • income support
  • income-based jobseeker’s allowance
  • income-related employment and support allowance
  • pension credit guarantee credit
  • universal credit and meet the criteria
  • a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

There’s a simple way to find out if you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions and any help with other NHS costs. Use the eligibility checker.


Prescription Prepayment Certificate
A prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) could save you money if you have to pay for your NHS prescriptions:

  • a 3-month PPC costs £32.05
  • a 12-month PPC is £114.50
Number of prescribed medicines each month  Saving with a 12 month PPC  Saving with a 3 month PPC 
2More than £116 a yearMore than £25 in 3 months
3More than £228 a yearMore than £53 in 3 months
4More than £340 a yearMore than £81 in 3 months

The quickest way to buy a PPC is online. If you prefer talking to someone, you can call the PPC order line on: 0300 330 1341.


NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC)
You can get an HRT prescription prepayment certificate from the NHS which costs £19.80 for 12 months.

Before buying an HRT PPC, check if

  • you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker
  • your medicine is covered by the HRT PPC. For a list of eligible HRT medication, visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc-medicines
  • a 3 or 12 month PPC is more suitable. It covers all NHS prescriptions, not just HRT items.

Date published: 24th September, 2022
Date last updated: 3rd May, 2024