Most adults in England have to pay prescription charges.
Some items are always free, including contraceptives and medicines prescribed for hospital inpatients.
From 1 May 2024, the NHS prescription charge will rise to £9.90. The cost of an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) will be:
- £32.05 for three months
- £114.50 for 12 months (patients can spread the cost and pay in 10 monthly instalments)
The cost of an NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) PPC will be £19.80.
Everyone should check if they are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and other help with health costs at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check.
People who pay for their NHS prescriptions could save with a PPC. Rather than paying £9.90 for each prescription, the three and 12 month PPC covers unlimited NHS prescriptions for the one-off set price. This offers savings for those who need four or more items in three months, or 12 or more items in 12 months.
The quickest way to buy a three or 12 month PPC is online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc.