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 is 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

From 1 May 2024, the charges are:

• current prescription charge – £9.90 per item
• three-month PPC – £31.25; this will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months 
• 12-month PPC – £111.60; this will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year
• 12-month PPC for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) only - £19.30; this will save you money if you need more than 2 prescribed HRT items in a year

The HRT PPC is only for HRT medicines licensed to treat menopause symptoms, but you can use it regardless of why these medicines are prescribed for you. Find out more about the HRT PPC from the NHS Business Services Authority website.

There are several payment options available. If you choose the 12-month PPC, you can pay for this upfront, or by 10 monthly direct debit instalments.

Click here if you would like to find out more about the prescription prepayment certificate.

If you need to access the services below, the medicines you're prescribed are free:

• medicines administered at a hospital or an NHS walk-in centre
• prescribed contraceptives
• medicines personally administered by a GP or provided via a patient group direction (PGD)
• medicines supplied at a hospital or clinical commissioning group (CCG) clinic for the treatment of a sexually transmitted infection, tuberculosis, or a mental disorder for those subject to a supervised community treatment order 

If you would like more information about prescription exemptions and fees, please click here to visit the the NHS website.