Low cost and free prescriptions

How can I reduce the costs of my prescriptions? 

You can buy a prescription prepayment certificate. This covers all your NHS prescription fees for a set period. 

A three-month certificate costs £30.25. So if you have 4 or more prescriptions within 3 months this will save you money.

A 12-month certificate is £108.10. If you have 13 or more prescriptions within a year this will save you money. So if you have to pay for more than 1 prescription a month then an annual certificate will save you money.

When can I get free prescriptions?

Some prescribed items are always free, including contraceptives and medication given to hospital inpatients. Your doctor can give you more information on what prescriptions are free or the NHS Website provides help with prescription cost information.

Some groups of people are automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions. Others can apply for certificates that entitle them to free NHS prescriptions.

People automatically entitled to free prescriptions

You are automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions if:

• You're under 16 or over 60,
• You're in full-time education and 16-18 years old, or
• You or your partner receive income support, income-related jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment & support allowance, or pension credit guarantee credit.