Prescriptions Fees

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs). The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines.

Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

NHS Charges

  • Prescription (per item): £9.35
  • 3-month PPC: £30.25
  • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £108.10

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website

Private Prescriptions & Holiday Requests

A message appears on the patient’s record that prescriptions are to be issued as ‘private’. A charge is made the provision of the private prescription in all circumstances other than medication for erectile dysfunction. Where a patient requests a medication for holidays, these will be provided as a private prescription if approved by the GP. There will be a charge for this type of prescription.

Private prescriptions are processed separately to NHS Prescriptions and the administration of these will be handled by the Prescription Team in conjunction with the GP.

Patients should be aware that in some circumstances the pharmacy may also charge a dispensing fee.

Medication for Travel and Medical Procedure Anxiety.