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Prescription charges, free prescriptions and prepayment certificates

Prescriptions are free in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and in Wales if your GP is in Wales. In England most adults pay a charge for each item unless they are exempt. If you need many items, a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) can work out cheaper.

Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland

Go to the official website: nhs.uk

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Step by step

  1. Check if you can get free prescriptions: for example if you are under 16, 16 to 18 in full time education, 60 or over, get certain benefits or hold an exemption certificate.
  2. If you are pregnant, had a baby in the last 12 months or have a qualifying medical condition, apply for a maternity or medical exemption certificate.
  3. If you pay and need many items, buy a PPC online, by phone or at some pharmacies. It covers all your NHS prescriptions for its period.
  4. At the pharmacy, tick the right box on the prescription form and show proof if asked.

What you need

  • Your exemption certificate (maternity, medical, HC2 or war pension), if you have one.
  • Your benefit award letter, if you claim free prescriptions because of a benefit.
  • Proof of full time education, if you are 16 to 18.
  • An NHS receipt (FP57) if you pay while waiting for a certificate, so you can claim a refund.

Common mistakes

  • Ticking a free prescription box without being entitled. You can get a penalty charge notice.
  • Thinking the charge is per prescription: in England it is per item, so 3 medicines means 3 charges.
  • Not asking for an FP57 receipt when you pay, and then being unable to claim the money back.

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