In May 2024, the cost of prescriptions rose to £9.90 per item. This can quickly become expensive if you have medicine you need to take regularly. You may be able to get prescriptions for free if you fit into one of the following categories:
- Aged under 16, or aged 60 and over
- Aged 16-18 and in full time education
- Pregnant, or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- You have a medical exemption certificate for a specified medical condition or continuing physical disability
- In receipt of, or are under 20 and dependant on someone in receipt of, income support or Jobseekers Allowance
Check the NHS website to see if you qualify for free prescriptions.
In England, the following medicines are free:
- Medicine administered at a hospital or NHS walk in centre, or personally administered by a GP during your appointment
- Prescribed contraceptives
- Medicine supplied at a hospital or clinic for the treatment of STIs
What can I do if I can’t get free prescriptions?
The first thing to check is to see if you qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme also covers additional costs, like dental and eyecare. Depending on your income, expenditure, and capital (savings, assets, property) you can either receive full help or partial help.
If you aren’t eligible for the Low Income Scheme, and you need to purchase more than one prescription per month, it may be financially viable for you to purchase a Prescription Prepayment Certificate. Anyone can buy these, and they are valid for 3 or 12 months. You can use the certificate to get as many prescriptions as you need within that timeframe, without paying more than you paid for the certificate. If you buy a 12 month certificate, you can pay for it in 10 monthly instalments.