Could you get free NHS prescriptions?

Prescription costs can add up quickly, especially if you need regular medication. What you might not realise is that you could be entitled to free NHS prescriptions, or help with the cost.

Many people automatically qualify, and others can apply for certificates or schemes that mean you pay less, or nothing at all. Taking a few minutes to check could save you a lot of money.

Here’s what you need to know.

How much do prescriptions cost?

In November, the government confirmed that prescription charges will stay frozen for another year. In England, they currently cost £9.90 per item.

Some items are always free, including:

• medicine given to you as a hospital in-patient
• contraception

If you need medication regularly, you could save money with a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). The certificate covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price.

• 3 months: £32.05
• 12 months: £114.50

These prices are also frozen for the next year.

If you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for everyone.

Who gets free NHS prescriptions?

You get free prescriptions if you are:

• 16 or under
• 19 or under and in full-time education
• 60 or over

You may get free prescriptions if you receive certain benefits:

• income support
• income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
• income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
• pension credit – guarantee credit

If you receive universal credit, you may qualify if:

• your monthly take-home pay is £435 or less, or
• £935 or less if your award includes a child or limited capability for work or work-related activity

Do you have a medical condition?

If you have certain long-term medical conditions, you can apply for a medical exemption certificate, which gives you free prescriptions.

You can find the full list of qualifying conditions on the NHS website.

Extra help if you’re struggling

If prescription costs are difficult to manage, you might qualify for the NHS low income scheme.

This can help you if you’re:

• a pensioner
• a student
• receiving certain state benefits
• living in a care home

You could get free prescriptions or help with prescription costs.

What to do at the pharmacy

If you’re entitled to free prescriptions:

• tick the correct exemption box on your prescription
• if someone collects your prescription for you, make sure they know which box to tick
• if asked, show proof such as:
• your benefit award letter, or
• your exemption certificate

If you’re not sure yet or are waiting to find out:

• pay for the prescription
• ask the pharmacy for an NHS receipt and refund form (FP57) so you can claim a refund later