Prescription Fees

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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

Apply for NHS low income scheme

Prescription charges

Help with prescrsciption costs

If you pay for 4 or more prescriptions in 3 months or more than 14 in 12 months it maybe cheaper to buy a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). 

Exemptions from prescription charges

There are also categories of people who are entitled to exemption or remission from the prescription charges.  Examples of these include the following;

People aged 60 years and over

People aged 16 years and under

16, 17 and 18 years old and still in full-time education

Expectant mothers or those who have given birth in the previous 12 months if they are in possession of a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate

Patients who are in possession of a valid Prescription Payment Certificate (PPC) valid for either 3 months or 12 months as mentioned above.

Those in possession of a prescription exemption certificate and possess an NHS prescription for items prescribed for their accepted disablement

Those with a valid war pension exemption certificate

Check if you have an prescription expemption