Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

• Those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
• Those who are age exempt.
• Those with certain medical conditions.
• More information is available at NHS Choices.

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £9.65
• 3-month PPC: £31.25
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

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 

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