Prescription charges

Rules about prescription charges are set by the Department of Health. Here are some of the key points.

The current cost of a prescription is £8.60

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 NHS Choices: information about prescription charges. 

Prepayment certificates

If you need regular medication but can't get free prescriptions, then it may be cheaper to buy a prepayment certificate. See NHS Choices: information about prepayment certificate