How much are NHS prescription charges in England for 2026/27?

For the 2026/27 tax year, the single NHS prescription item charge in England remains frozen at £9.90 per item. A 3-month Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) costs £32.05, a 12-month PPC costs £114.50, and an HRT PPC costs £19.80.

Who is eligible for free NHS prescriptions in England?

Free NHS prescriptions are available to anyone aged under 16, aged 60 or over, aged 16-18 in full-time education, pregnant women or mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months (with a MatEx certificate), and individuals holding a Medical Exemption Certificate (MedEx) for specific conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy.

Is a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) worth it?

Yes, if you need 4 or more prescription items in 3 months (or 12 or more items in 12 months), buying a PPC will save you money. A 12-month PPC (£114.50) covers unlimited prescription items for the entire year, payable in 10 monthly direct debit installments of £11.45.

How much are NHS prescription charges in England for 2026/27?

For the 2026/27 tax year, the single NHS prescription item charge in England remains frozen at £9.90 per item. A 3-month Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) costs £32.05, a 12-month PPC costs £114.50, and an HRT PPC costs £19.80.

Who is eligible for free NHS prescriptions in England?

Free NHS prescriptions are available to anyone aged under 16, aged 60 or over, aged 16-18 in full-time education, pregnant women or mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months (with a MatEx certificate), and individuals holding a Medical Exemption Certificate (MedEx) for specific conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy.

Is a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) worth it?

Yes, if you need 4 or more prescription items in 3 months (or 12 or more items in 12 months), buying a PPC will save you money. A 12-month PPC (£114.50) covers unlimited prescription items for the entire year, payable in 10 monthly direct debit installments of £11.45.

NHS Healthcare Exemption Guide 2026/27

NHS Prescription Charges & PPC Exemption Calculator

Calculate your annual NHS prescription costs in England, check MatEx & MedEx exemption criteria, and compare Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) savings.

Prescription Cost & Savings Calculator

Number of NHS Prescription Items Needed Per Month

Applicant Age: 32 Years Old

Check Qualifying Exemption Conditions:

Pregnant or gave birth in the last 12 months (Maternity Exemption MatEx)

Hold Medical Exemption (MedEx) for diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, etc.

Recommended Cost Plan

12-Month Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)

£114.50 / year

Standard PAYG Annual Cost:£237.60

12-Month PPC Certificate Cost:£114.50

Net Estimated Annual Savings:£123.10

PPC Prepayment Certificate Advice

A 12-month PPC (£114.50) can be paid in 10 monthly direct debit installments of £11.45/month, covering all prescriptions.

NHS Prescription Costs & Exemption Rules in England (2026/27)

In England, standard NHS prescription charges are frozen for the 2026/27 financial year at £9.90 per item. However, approximately 89% of all NHS prescription items are dispensed 100% free of charge under statutory exemption rules.

Standard PPC Prices (2026/27)

• Single Prescription Item: £9.90
• 3-Month PPC Certificate: £32.05
• 12-Month PPC Certificate: £114.50 (or 10 monthly payments of £11.45)
• HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) PPC: £19.80 / year

Qualifying Free Exemptions

• Age: Under 16, or 16-18 in full-time education, or aged 60+
• Maternity (MatEx): Pregnant women or mothers with a baby under 12 months
• Medical Conditions (MedEx): Diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, hypothyroidism, ostomy
• Low Income Scheme (HC2): Full help certificate based on income assessment

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