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A Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) is a way to pay upfront for your NHS prescriptions in England. If you need regular prescriptions, it can save you a lot of money.
You don't need to pay for prescriptions if you:
You can buy a Prescription Prepayment Certificate:
You can pay:
Your PPC starts from the date you select when buying it. You can choose a start date up to 1 month in advance.
Generally no, but you may get a refund if you become exempt from prescription charges (e.g., you turn 60, become pregnant, or develop a qualifying medical condition).
No, a PPC only covers NHS prescription charges. It doesn't cover dental treatment, eye tests, or glasses.
No, PPCs are only valid in England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have free prescriptions for everyone.
Contact the NHS Business Services Authority and they can reissue it for a small fee (usually around £5).
Understanding how NHS prescription charges work can save you a significant amount of money each year. Whether you pay for regular medications or only need the occasional prescription, knowing your options and entitlements is essential.
In England, the current NHS prescription charge is £9.90 per item (as of April 2025). This is a flat fee that applies regardless of whether the medicine costs the NHS 50p or £500 to supply. The charge applies per item on your prescription, so if your GP prescribes three different medications, you would pay £29.70 in total. The prescription charge typically increases each April in line with inflation.
A significant proportion of the population in England is entitled to free prescriptions. You qualify if you meet any of the following criteria:
If you do not qualify for free prescriptions but need regular medication, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate can save you a considerable amount. There are two options:
You can purchase a PPC online through the NHS Business Services Authority website, by telephone, or by picking up a form (FP96) from a pharmacy. The certificate covers unlimited prescriptions during the validity period, so it is particularly valuable for people taking multiple regular medications.
Use our calculator above to work out whether a PPC is worthwhile for you. As a quick rule of thumb: if you pay for more than three prescription items in three months, or more than 11 items in 12 months, a PPC will save you money. Remember that each item on a prescription counts separately, so if you collect two different tablets each month, that counts as 24 items per year – making the annual PPC extremely good value.
It is important to note that prescription charges only apply in England. Scotland abolished prescription charges in 2011, Wales in 2007, and Northern Ireland in 2010. If you live in any of these nations, all NHS prescriptions are free regardless of your age, income, or medical conditions. If you live in England but are registered with a GP in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you would receive free prescriptions from that GP. However, if you are an English resident visiting another UK nation, you would still need to pay unless you are otherwise exempt.
If your income is too high to qualify for full help but you still struggle to afford prescription charges, the NHS Low Income Scheme may be able to help. There are two types of certificate:
To apply, complete an HC1 form, available from Jobcentre Plus offices, NHS hospitals, or by calling the NHS Business Services Authority. The assessment is based on your income, savings, and outgoings. Many people who are entitled to help do not claim it, so it is well worth checking if you are on a low income.
If you take regular medication, your GP can set up a repeat prescription so that you do not need a new appointment each time. You simply request a repeat through your GP surgery (in person, by phone, or increasingly through the NHS App or online patient access services), and the prescription is sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy. Most repeat prescriptions are reviewed every 6 to 12 months, when your GP may want to check that the medication is still appropriate for you.
The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) allows your GP to send your prescription electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. This means you do not need to collect a paper prescription from the surgery and take it to the pharmacy yourself. You can nominate any pharmacy in England to receive your electronic prescriptions. The system is secure, reduces errors, and is more convenient for both patients and pharmacies. You can manage your nominated pharmacy through the NHS App or by speaking to your GP surgery or pharmacist.
Important: The information on this page is for general guidance only and was correct at the time of writing. Prescription charges and exemption criteria may change. Always check the latest rates and eligibility rules on the official NHS website or contact the NHS Business Services Authority for the most current information.
There is no need to buy a PPC if you are already entitled to free prescriptions. If you are unsure whether you qualify, check the exemption categories listed above or use the NHS eligibility checker on the NHS website. If you have purchased a PPC and then become exempt (for example, by turning 60 or becoming pregnant), you may be entitled to a refund for the unused portion.
If you paid for a prescription that you were entitled to receive free, you can claim a refund by completing an FP57 refund form, which you should have been given at the pharmacy. You must submit this within three months of paying the charge. Refund claims are processed by the NHS Business Services Authority.
Many pharmacies offer a free prescription delivery service, particularly for elderly or housebound patients. Some online pharmacy services also deliver prescriptions by post. Ask your local pharmacy what delivery options they offer. During the Covid-19 pandemic, delivery services expanded significantly, and many pharmacies have continued to offer this convenience.
No. If you are an NHS inpatient, all medicines administered or dispensed to you during your stay are provided free of charge. However, when you are discharged, any ongoing prescriptions that you collect from a community pharmacy will be subject to the standard prescription charge (unless you are otherwise exempt).
The NHS carries out regular checks to verify that people claiming free prescriptions are genuinely entitled. If you are found to have claimed an exemption incorrectly, you will be required to pay a penalty charge, which is currently £100 plus the original prescription cost (reduced to £50 if paid within 28 days). Repeated or deliberate false claims can result in prosecution. Always make sure your exemption is current and valid before ticking the exemption box on the prescription form.