NHS Prescription Charges Guide (Costs, Exemptions, Prepayment 2026)

NHS prescription charges in England are £9.90 per item. How to save with PPC prepayment certificates, who is exempt, and NHS dental charges explained.

NHS prescription charges in England are set by the Department of Health and Social Care and increase annually in April. In the 2026/27 tax year, the standard charge per item is £9.90. Many people are exempt — including children, over-60s, pregnant women, and people on certain benefits — but if you pay full price regularly, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) can save you hundreds of pounds a year. Dental charges are different, structured in bands depending on the treatment. This guide covers all NHS charges and how to minimise what you pay. See also our guides on Universal Credit, NHS Surcharge, and Health Insurance.

Current NHS Prescription Charges 2026

In England, the NHS prescription charge in 2026/27 is £9.90 per item. This applies to each item on your prescription — if your prescription has multiple medicines, you pay £9.90 for each one. There is no cap on the total you can be charged per prescription form. Charges in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are different: Scotland and Wales — NHS prescriptions are free for everyone; Northern Ireland — prescriptions are also free. If you live in England and need regular medication, the costs can add up quickly. Someone with two repeat prescriptions each month would pay £237.60 per year. However, you can save significantly with a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (see below). The charge is reviewed annually from 1 April. The government has frozen the charge at £9.90 for 2026/27. Pharmacists cannot waive the charge — it must be paid at the point of collection unless you have a valid exemption or prepayment certificate. Some pharmacies offer discounts on certain medicines (typically less than the NHS charge) — ask your pharmacist if a cheaper option is available.

Who Is Exempt from Prescription Charges

You do not pay NHS prescription charges if you are:

Under 16 or 16-18 and in full-time education
60 or over
Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months (with a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate — MatEx)
Receiving certain benefits: Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit (with qualifying earnings)
Receiving NHS Tax Credit Exemption — if you get Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit with a low household income
Receiving HC2 or HC3 certificate through the NHS Low Income Scheme
Named on a valid War Pension Exemption Certificate or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme exemption
Receiving treatment for a specified medical condition (cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, hypothyroidism, etc.) covered by a Medical Exemption Certificate

To claim an exemption, you sign the back of the prescription form confirming you have a valid exemption. HMRC and the NHS Business Services Authority carry out checks and can issue penalty notices if you claim exemption incorrectly. If you need help with health costs, apply for an HC1 form from the NHS Low Income Scheme. See Universal Credit Guide for more on qualifying benefits.

NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPC)

If you need regular prescriptions, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) caps your costs. In 2026/27:

3-month PPC: £31.80 — saves you money if you need more than 3 prescription items in 3 months
12-month PPC: £114.50 — saves you money if you need more than 12 prescription items in a year

A 12-month PPC covers all your NHS prescriptions for 12 months, no matter how many you need. If you need 2 items per month (24 per year), paying per item would cost £237.60 — the PPC saves you £123.10. You can buy a PPC online at the NHS Business Services Authority website, by phone, or at some pharmacies. The certificate is digital — you show it on your phone or give the reference number to your pharmacist. You can pay by direct debit (10 monthly instalments of £11.45 for the 12-month certificate). There is also a HRT PPC for Hormone Replacement Therapy — £19.30 per year covers all HRT medicines. The PPC does not cover dental charges or other NHS services. If you are exempt, you do not need a PPC.

How to Claim a Refund

If you paid for a prescription but were actually exempt at the time, you can claim a refund. Complete an FP57 form at the pharmacy where you paid — you must do this at the time of payment or within 3 months. If you bought a PPC and later become exempt (for example, you turn 60 or start receiving Pension Credit), you may be able to claim a refund of the remaining value. Contact the NHS Business Services Authority to request a refund of your PPC. You will need proof of your exemption date and the certificate details. Prescription refunds can take 4-6 weeks to process. If you were overcharged (e.g., charged the wrong amount), speak to the pharmacist directly. The NHS Business Services Authority handles prescription charge disputes and can be contacted via their online portal. Keep all receipts and prescription forms if you think you may need to claim a refund. See also NHS Surcharge Guide for immigration health charges.

NHS Dental Charges (Bands and Costs)

NHS dental charges in England are structured in three bands for 2026/27:

Band 1: £26.80 — includes examination, diagnosis (X-rays, scale and polish), and advice on preventing dental problems
Band 2: £73.70 — includes everything in Band 1 plus further treatment like fillings, root canal, extractions, and periodontal treatment (gum disease)
Band 3: £319.10 — includes everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus more complex procedures like crowns, dentures, bridges, and inlays

Urgent dental treatment (for pain or infection) costs £26.80 — this covers one course of treatment to address the urgent problem. If you need further non-urgent treatment, you pay the appropriate band. Courses of treatment are charged at the highest band required — so if you need a filling (Band 2) and a crown (Band 3), you pay Band 3 only. Dental charges are reviewed annually on 1 April. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different charging structures and generally lower costs. Some NHS dentists offer payment plans for private top-up treatments — check what is included in your NHS treatment before agreeing to any private work.

Who Is Exempt from NHS Dental Charges

You do not pay NHS dental charges if you are: under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education); pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months; receiving Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit (with qualifying earnings); receiving NHS Tax Credit Exemption (Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit with low income); named on a valid HC2 certificate (NHS Low Income Scheme); or a hospital in-patient receiving dental treatment in hospital. Unlike prescription charges, there is no age exemption for over-60s — you must qualify through benefits or low income. If you have a HC2 certificate, you also get help with travel costs to hospital, glasses, and contact lenses. If you have a HC3 certificate, you get partial help. Apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme using the HC1 form available at dentists, hospitals, or online at gov.uk. See Universal Credit Guide for more on benefit eligibility.

NHS Optical and Other Charges

NHS optical vouchers are available if you qualify for help with health costs. The value depends on your need and where you live: NHS optical voucher A is for glasses or contact lenses with a basic prescription — you can get up to £40.70 towards the cost (more for complex prescriptions). You qualify if you are under 16, under 19 and in full-time education, on Income Support or Universal Credit, or receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. Free NHS sight tests are available to the same groups plus people over 60, people with diabetes or glaucoma, and people aged 40+ with a close family history of glaucoma. NHS wigs and fabric supports (trusses, surgical stockings) are also available — wig charges are £79.30 for a bespoke wig or £75.70 for a stock wig, with exemptions for benefits claimants and certain medical conditions. Always check if you qualify for free NHS prescriptions before paying — many people over-60 do not realise their prescriptions are free. For full details, visit the NHS Business Services Authority website at nhsbsa.nhs.uk. See Health Insurance Guide for private health options.

FAQs

What is the current NHS prescription charge in England?

£9.90 per item in 2026/27. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

How do I get a Prescription Prepayment Certificate?

Buy online at the NHS Business Services Authority website. A 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and covers all your prescriptions for the year. You can pay by direct debit in 10 monthly instalments.

Are over-60s exempt from NHS dental charges?

No. Unlike prescription charges, there is no automatic age exemption for dental charges. You must qualify through benefits, low income, or a valid HC2/HC3 certificate.

Can I get a refund if I paid for a prescription but was exempt?

Yes. Ask the pharmacy for an FP57 form at the time of payment or within 3 months. The NHS Business Services Authority will process your refund.

Do dental charges count towards the PPC?

No. The Prescription Prepayment Certificate covers only NHS prescription charges, not dental charges. Dental charges are separate and structured by treatment band.

👉 Universal Credit Guide → — see how benefits like Universal Credit qualify you for free NHS prescriptions and dental treatment.