Skip to content

Prescription Charges and Exemptions

blue-and-white capsules spilling from a prescription medicine bottle across the corner of a prescription; shallow depth-of-field image with focus on the nearest capsule

Prescription 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:

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

    • Prescription (per item): £9.90*
    • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £114.50*
    • 3-month PPC: £32.50*
    • 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

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

    • Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
    • General Public – Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

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

Please allow 48 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed. Any problems please telephone the surgery.


*prices right at the time of publishing

Hospital Prescriptions

If you attend hospital, and your Consultant or Hospital Doctor alters your medication in any way, please make an appointment with one of our Doctors. We need to ensure these changes are noted on your Practice medical records so that you continue to receive the correct medication.

Drug Names

Our policy is to use generic names wherever possible. Many companies produce the same product under different brand names. Generic names avoid confusion and are included in all labelling in smaller print under the brand name.

Skip to content