Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

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.

NHS Charges

The prescription charges information from the 1st May 2024

  • Single prescription is £9.90
  • There are 3 Prescription Payment Certificate options:
  • a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC costs £19.80 and will save you money if you need more than 2 prescribed qualifying HRT items in a year
  • a 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months
  • a 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year

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