Prescription charges
Rules about prescription charges are set by the Department of Health. Here are some of the key points.
Free prescriptions
Certain groups of people are entitled to free prescriptions. This includes:
- People aged 0-15 or aged 16-18 in full-time education
- People aged 60 years old or over
- People receiving income support, income-based job seekers allowance or some other benefits
- People with certain medical conditions can obtain a Medical Exemption Certificate
- Pregnant women can obtain a Maternity Exemption Certificate
- People on low income can apply for 'certificate HC2'.
Some other groups are eligible too.
For more information please see the NHS leaflet: Help with health costs (Quick Guide) (PDF 35 KB). For detailed information, see: Department of Health: NHS costs and exemptions.
Prepayment certificates
If you need regular medication but can't get free prescriptions, then it may be cheaper to buy a prepayment certificate. See Department of Health: Prepayment of prescription charges.