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.
NHS charges
In England, NHS prescriptions are charged per item. As of April 1 2016 each item costs £8.40.
If you have ongoing repeat NHS prescriptions but are not entitled to free prescriptions, a Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC) may save you money. This is especially true if you have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months.
Pre-Payment Certificate in England
A three-month PPC costs £29.10 and a 12-month PPC costs £104.00.
You can purchase a PPC as follows:
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website