Are your prescriptions free? Here’s how to find out (Picture: Getty)
The price of a prescription is going up in 2023, and will cost £9.65 (up from £9.35) from April 1.
Most people have to pay for their prescription, but plenty are eligible to get theirs free of charge – and may not even realise they’re entitled to it.
It’s well worth knowing about, especially during the cost of living crisis.
It can also be useful to know about if you have a medical condition that requires multiple or very regular medications, for example.
Find out if you can get free prescriptions from the NHS below.
Who gets free NHS prescriptions?
Over-60s and under-16s get free prescriptions (Picture: Getty)
According to the NHS, certain groups are entitled to get their prescriptions for free.
If you, at the time of the prescription being dispensed, can say you are or have any of the below, then you should be eligible:
Full list of people eligible for free prescriptions on the NHS
Under 16
16 to 18 and in full-time education
Are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
Have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx) – illnesses that can qualify you for a certificate include cancer, a permanent fistula, and hypoparathyroidism, among others
Have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
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Hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
Are an NHS inpatient.
You’re also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
Income Support
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Universal Credit and meet the criteria.
You may also be entitled if you have a valid NHS certificate (for full help with health costs, called a HC2) or a NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
If you’re not sure if any of the above applies to you, there’s more detail on the NHS website.
They also have the NHS eligibility checker online, which can tell you if need to pay or not.
Still in doubt? Speak to your GP or local pharmacist about whether you are eligible, and how to get the relevant exemption certificate if you are entitled to one.
More: Trending
How much do NHS prescriptions cost?
At the time of writing, NHS prescriptions cost £9.35 for a single charge but this will rise to £9.65 from April 1.
If you pick up two or more different medications at once, that doesn’t count as one prescription, but two – so you’ll need to pay double that. And so on for more medications or items.
However, you might be able to cut down on prescription costs by getting a PPC, or ‘prescription payment certificate’.
These certificates cover all your prescriptions for either a full three months or 12 months, including any NHS Dental prescriptions.
How much are prescriptions at the moment? (Picture: Getty Images)
It can quickly start to save you money if you buy more than one prescription per month.
A three-month PPC currently costs £30.25 (but will cost £31.25 from April 1) and a 12-month PPC costs £108.10 – which will rise to £111.60 on April 1.
Payment plans are available for the latter option.
You can apply on the NHS website or call 0300 330 1341 and buy on the phone.
For more on the cost of prescriptions, visit the NHS website.
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