NHS prescription charges from 1 May 2024
The Department of Health and Social Care has announced new NHS prescription charges in England.
From 1 May 2024, the NHS prescription charge will rise to £9.90. The cost of an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) will be:
- £32.05 for three months
- £114.50 for 12 months (patients can spread the cost and pay in 10 monthly instalments)
The cost of an NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) PPC will be £19.80.
Everyone should check if they are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and other help with health costs at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check.
People who pay for their NHS prescriptions could save with a PPC. Rather than paying £9.90 for each prescription, the three and 12 month PPC covers unlimited NHS prescriptions for the one-off set price. This offers savings for those who need four or more items in three months, or 12 or more items in 12 months.
The quickest way to buy a three or 12 month PPC is online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc.
The HRT PPC covers all listed HRT medicines for 12 months. HRT PPCs can be purchased online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc or in-person at some pharmacies.
Contact Information
Helen Johnston
Media and Campaigns Officer
NHS Business Services Authority
Notes to editors
Prescription and PPCs prices will remain at the current rate during April 2024. The current prescription charge in England is £9.65 per item and PPC costs are:
- £31.25 for 3 months
- £111.60 for 12 months