NHS prescription charges to stay under £10

A freeze on NHS prescription charges in England is to be extended for another year.

The cost of a single prescription will stay at £9.90, which the government believes will save patients around £12m next year.  

Three-month and annual prescriptions prepayment certificates will also be frozen for the next year, at £32.05 and £114.50 respectively.

“No one should put their health at risk because they can’t afford their medication,” the chancellor said.

Health secretary Wes Streeting added: “Our moves today to freeze prescription charges again will put money back into the pockets of millions of people.

“We are fixing our NHS and making it so it’s once again there for you when you need it.”

Check if you’re eligible for free prescriptions

Anyone with certain medical conditions can apply for a medical exemption certificate. 

You can find the full list on the NHS site.

Extra help for those who need it

If you’re struggling with the cost of your medication, you might also benefit from the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Eligible groups, including pensioners, students, people receiving certain state benefits and care home residents, can get free prescriptions or help with prescription costs. 

Find out more here.