Prescription Costs and Exemptions

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Understanding NHS Exemptions And Prescription Costs

We accept all NHS exemptions and prepayment certificates in England. If you do pay for prescriptions, however, it’s the standard NHS charge.

From April 2024, this is £9.90 per item.

What Is An NHS Exemption Certificate?

The NHS Prescription Exemption Certificate is a document provided by the NHS to certain patients that meet the prescription exemption requirements. This certificate will allow some patients to receive their prescriptions for free. There are many possible reasons why one may be exempt from prescription charges. If you qualify, you can apply for an exemption certificate. To see a full list of people who can apply for exemption certificates please see the list below or visit the NHS Website.

Are You Exempt From NHS Prescription Charges?

The following people are automatically exempt from NHS prescription charges:

1. Age-Related Exemptions

  • Under 16 years old.
  • Aged 16-18 and in full-time education.
  • Aged 60 or over.

2. Medical Conditions

People with certain medical conditions can get a medical exemption certificate (MedEx), making them eligible for free prescriptions. Conditions include:

  • Diabetes mellitus (except if managed by diet alone).
  • Hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement.
  • Epilepsy requiring continuous anti-epileptic therapy.
  • Certain types of cancer, or conditions caused by cancer or cancer treatment.
  • Continuing physical disabilities that prevent you from leaving home without help from another person.

Note: You must apply for a medical exemption certificate for these conditions through your doctor.

3. Pregnancy and Maternity

  • Women who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months are entitled to free prescriptions with a valid maternity exemption certificate.

4. Income-Based Exemptions

People on certain benefits or low incomes are entitled to free prescriptions. This includes those receiving:

  • Income Support.
  • Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
  • Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
  • Universal Credit, if your earnings during your last assessment period were £435 or less (or £935 or less if you have children or limited capability for work).

5. Tax Credit Exemptions

  • Those who have a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate and are eligible for either:
    • Child Tax Credit (with a family income of £15,276 or less).
    • Working Tax Credit (which includes a disability element) and have an income of £15,276 or less.

6. NHS Low Income Scheme

  • People who are on a low income and qualify for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) can receive free prescriptions with an HC2 certificate for full help or reduced costs with an HC3 certificate.

7. War Pensioners

  • If you have a war pension and your prescribed medication is for your accepted disability, you can get free prescriptions.

8. People in Specific Settings

  • NHS inpatients receive free prescriptions during their stay in the hospital.

How To Use Your NHS Exemption

As a UK registered pharmacy, we accept all NHS exemptions.

When ordering your medication and prescriptions from us you will need to provide proof of your exemption to be able for us to process your order free of charge. If you’re ordering medicine for someone under 16 or over 60, we’ll automatically apply the exemption, however, if you or the person you are ordering for falls between these ages then proof of exemption will need to be uploaded when signing up to our website to order prescriptions.

Please note: If you claim your free prescriptions after your exemption expires, you may have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100. Even if it was a mistake, therefore please ensure that you check your certificate before uploading it. 

Read more about NHS Exemptions.

How To Get And Use A HRT Pre-Payment Certificate

Save Money on NHS HRT Prescriptions with an HRT Prepayment Certificate (PPC)!

If you find yourself paying for NHS prescribed HRT medicine three or more times within a 12-month period, an HRT PPC could be a money-saving solution for you.

Normally, each item on an NHS prescription costs £9.65. But with an HRT PPC, you can make a one-time payment of just £19.30, equivalent to the cost of two single items.

The best part? The HRT PPC covers an unlimited number of certain HRT medicines for a full 12 months, regardless of why they are prescribed. It means you can enjoy significant savings on your HRT prescriptions throughout the entire year.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save money on your HRT medications. Purchase an HRT Prepayment Certificate today and enjoy hassle-free and cost-effective access to your prescribed HRT medicines for the next 12 months!

Get Your NHS Prescription Prepayment (PPC) Certificate Now

If you are wanting to apply for your prepayment certificate, click here.

An NHS prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) is designed for those that pay regularly for their prescriptions. This certificate lets you get as many prescriptions as you need for a set price, saving you money in the long run.

If you wish to use your Prescription Prepayment Certificate simply add your PPC number to the notes when ordering your prescription.