The charge is per item, not per prescription. Three medicines on one prescription cost three charges.
Quick facts
- Charge
- £9.90 per item
- Free
- Under 16, 60 and over
- Also free
- 16 to 18 in full-time education
- 3-month PPC
- £32.05
- 12-month PPC
- £114.50
- HRT PPC
- £19.80 a year
Free because of your age
You’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you’re under 16, aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full time education, or aged 60 or over.
Free because of benefits
If you get Universal Credit, you might be entitled to NHS prescriptions. This depends on your total take-home pay in your last assessment period.
You’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you or your partner get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. If you get Pension Credit Savings Credit on its own, you are not automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
You are not automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you get New Style Jobseeker's Allowance or New Style Employment and Support Allowance, but you could get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Free with a certificate
If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions. But you must have a valid maternity exemption certificate.
You can only get free NHS prescriptions because of your medical condition if you have a valid medical exemption certificate.
If you pay: the prepayment certificate
A 3 or 12 month PPC covers all your prescriptions for that period, no matter how many you need.
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| One item | £9.90 |
| 3-month PPC | £32.05 |
| 12-month PPC | £114.50 |
| HRT PPC, 12 months | £19.80 |
This means if you’re going to buy 4 or more prescriptions in 3 months, or 12 or more prescriptions in 12 months, it may be cheaper to buy a PPC.
You can pay in 10 monthly instalments if you buy a 12 month PPC.
If you are not sure you qualify
You should pay and ask pharmacy staff for an NHS receipt and refund form (FP57).
Common questions
How much is a prescription in England?
£9.90 per item.
Who gets free prescriptions in England?
People under 16 or 60 and over, 16 to 18 year olds in full-time education, pregnant women and new mothers with a maternity exemption certificate, people with a medical exemption certificate, and people on certain benefits.
How much is a prescription prepayment certificate?
£32.05 for 3 months or £114.50 for 12 months. The HRT PPC is £19.80 for 12 months.
Do Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland charge?
No. Prescription charges are an England rule; you can only get a PPC if you live in England.