Do I Pay For My Prescriptions

Most NHS treatment is free, however there can be charges for certain items such as prescriptions.

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Prescription Charges in England

Prescriptions are charged by the item. From the 1st April 2025 each item costs £9.90 NHS prescriptions are normally charged at a specific fee for each item. However, many people are exempt from paying these prescription charges.

If at the time you have your prescription dispensed you fall into one of the groups below then you should be exempt from charges.

•  

• You are under 16

• You are 16 to 18 and in full-time education

• You are 60 or over

• You are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid exemption certificate

• You have a specified medical condition and have a valid exemption certificate

• You have a continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without help from another person and have a valid exemption certificate

• You are getting or your partner gets:

  • Income support

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

  • Universal Credit

• You are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate

• You are named on a valid HC2 certificate

• You are a war pensioner, the prescription is for your accepted disablement and you have a valid war pension exemption certificate

• Prescribed contraceptives

 

Pre-Payment Certificates in England

If you pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or 13 or more items within 12 months then you could save money by purchasing a Pre-Payment Certificate.

• 3-month pre-payment certificate or a

• 12-month pre-payment certificate 

 

A Prepayment Certificate may be purchased online at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk or

Ring the order line with your payment card on 08458 500 030