How much is a prescription in the UK?

• In the UK, the cost of a prescription depends entirely on which country you are in.

  While prescriptions are free for residents of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there is a charge in England.1 For 2026, the government has frozen these charges at the previous year's rates.2

  Prescription Costs in England (2026)

  If you do not qualify for an exemption, the standard charges are:

  Single item: £9.90

  3-month Prepayment Certificate (PPC): £32.05

  12-month Prepayment Certificate (PPC): £114.50

  HRT Prepayment Certificate: £19.80 (covers unlimited HRT for 12 months)

   

Cost by UK Country

The "UK-wide" cost is a bit of a myth, as three out of the four nations have abolished the fee entirely:

Who gets free prescriptions in England?

Even in England, roughly 89% of prescription items are dispensed for free.7 You are exempt from paying if you:

Are aged 60 or over or under 16.

Are aged 16–18 and in full-time education.

Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months (requires a Maternity Exemption Certificate).

Have a specific medical condition (requires a Medical Exemption Certificate).

Receive certain benefits (like Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or certain Universal Credit criteria).
Money-Saving Tip: The "Season Ticket"

If you pay for more than 3 items in 3 months or 11 items in a year, it is significantly cheaper to buy a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC).13 It covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price, regardless of how many you need.