Are rising prescription costs putting a strain on your budget?
You’re not alone, but there are ways to save on your NHS prescriptions or even get them for free!
Whether you’re managing a long-term health condition or just looking to cut back on expenses,
We’ve got you covered with tips on paying less or nothing for your medications.
Saving money with an NHS Prescription pre-Payment Certificate
Cap Your Prescription Costs with an NHS Pre-Payment Certificate
Did you know you can limit how much you pay for prescriptions with an NHS Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC)? Think of it like an unlimited phone contract – for just £32.05 for 3 months or £114.50 for 12 months (as of June 2024), you can cover all your prescription needs.
That’s right! Instead of paying for each prescription separately, a PPC spreads the cost, so you only pay the equivalent of just over one prescription monthly. If you’re managing multiple conditions like blood pressure, asthma, or high cholesterol, a PPC could save you over £200 a year! Plus, any extra prescriptions you might need—like antibiotics or pain relief—are included at no additional cost.
You can easily apply for a PPC online, by phone (0300 330 1341), or at participating pharmacies.
Can You Get NHS Prescriptions for Free?
You might be eligible for free prescriptions, and there’s an easy way to find out. The NHS has an online checker asking a few simple questions to determine your eligibility.
Here are some examples of who can get free prescriptions:
- No Exemption Form Needed: If you’re under 16, over 60, aged 16-18 and in full-time education, or an inpatient at an NHS hospital, you automatically qualify for free prescriptions.
- Needing an Exemption Form: If you or your partner receive certain benefits like Income Support, Universal Credit, or Pension Credit, you may also qualify for free prescriptions. If so, you might need to show an exemption certificate to claim them.
- Other Reasons for Free Prescriptions:
- You’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate.
- You hold a valid war pension exemption certificate.
- You have a specific medical condition, like cancer, diabetes, or epilepsy, that qualifies for a medical exemption certificate (MedEx).
To confirm eligibility, check with your GP or use the NHS’s online tools.
Conditions That Qualify for Medical Exemption
If you have any of the following conditions, you might be entitled to free prescriptions through a medical exemption certificate:
- Cancer, including side effects from treatment
- Diabetes (unless managed by diet alone)
- Hypothyroidism (requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
- Epilepsy (requiring continuous anticonvulsant therapy)
- Other specified conditions that impact your ability to go out without assistance
If you think you might qualify, speak to your GP about applying for an exemption certificate.
Sources
- https://buy-prescription-prepayment-certificate.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/start
- https://check-for-help-paying-nhs-costs.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/start
- https://www.youtube.com/@eGPlearning
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