NHS prescription charge in England: £9.90 an item
In England, a 12-month prepayment certificate costs £114.50 and covers all NHS prescriptions for the year.
The NHS prescription charge is £9.90 for each item in England, according to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), and prescriptions in Scotland and Wales are free.
The NHSBSA says the charge is “currently” £9.90; its page gives no date for when the figure took effect or when it next changes. There is a charge for each different medicine or appliance, and support stockings are charged per stocking.
Prepayment certificates
People who pay often can buy prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs), which cover all NHS prescriptions for a set price, the NHSBSA says. A certificate saves money for anyone who needs more than three items in three months, it adds.
| certificate | price | what it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 3-month PPC | £32.05 | all NHS prescriptions for 3 months |
| 12-month PPC | £114.50 | all NHS prescriptions for 12 months |
| HRT PPC | £19.80 | certain HRT medicines, valid for 12 months |
Four items at £9.90 come to £39.60 on our arithmetic. That is £7.55 more than the three-month certificate.
The NHSBSA puts the 12-month break-even at 11 items. On our arithmetic, 11 items cost £108.90, below the certificate price. A twelfth takes the total to £118.80.
The HRT certificate costs the same as two single charges, the NHSBSA says. The 12-month certificate can be paid for in ten monthly Direct Debit instalments, though not at a pharmacy.
Who pays nothing
The NHSBSA lists these groups as entitled to free NHS prescriptions in England:
- people under 16, and anyone aged 60 or over
- those aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time education
- Universal Credit recipients whose take-home pay is under the limit
- people who, or whose partners, get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- holders of a valid maternity or medical exemption certificate
- holders of an HC2 certificate
- holders of a valid war pension exemption certificate, for their accepted disability
The NHS website adds that some items are always free, including contraception and medicines given to hospital inpatients.
Paying first and claiming back
The NHSBSA says anyone unsure of their entitlement, or still waiting to find out, should pay and ask the pharmacy for an NHS receipt and a refund form (FP57). The form cannot be obtained later, and a claim must be made within three months of paying. A person who is not entitled, or whose certificate has expired, should not claim.
Questions and answers
Are prescriptions free in Northern Ireland?
The NHSBSA page says only that prescriptions in Scotland and Wales are free and does not mention Northern Ireland.
How do I buy a certificate?
Online through the NHSBSA or in person at some pharmacies.
Can a certificate be refunded?
A refund may be due if the holder becomes entitled to free NHS prescriptions while the certificate is valid.
