Prescription Fees

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.

You can get a HRT certificate from the NHS if you have been prescribed an eligible hormone replacement therapy medicine.

If you have a prescription for medications that are not eligible for HRT medicines, you may save more with a 3 or 12 month standard PPC.

When going abroad you can take your NHS medications with you.

Please visit the NHS website for the latest Prescription Charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

Further Information

• Find out more about help with your health costs
• Buy an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate