Prescription Fees

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions – with effect from 1st April 2022

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 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, please ask our dispensary staff for further details.

Dispensary staff ask to see expiry dates of all exemptions. Please note that it is your responsibility to renew your exemption certificate every 5 years. Failure to do so might result in a letter being received from NHS Business Services with a fine for fraudulent claims.

NHS charges

With effect from 1st April 2022, these charges apply in England only.

• Single Prescription items: £9.65
• Three-month prescription prepayment certificates : £31.25
• Twelve-month prescription prepayment certificates: £111.60
• HRT pre-payment certificate £19.30

NB: charges apply when you collect your prescription, not when it is issued. These charges apply in England only, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

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.

Payment can be made by Credit/Debit card, cheque or cash.

Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030

General Public – Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

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