A guide to free NHS
prescriptions in England
Trusted NHS partner since 2001
Regulated Pharmacy since 1999
Proudly serving over 800,000 patients
'Excellent' Trustpilot rating
Have you checked recently to see if you qualify for free NHS prescriptions?
In England the standard NHS prescription charge is currently £9.90 per item (as of 1st May 2024). The NHS takes several factors into consideration when offering free prescriptions, and the eligibility to apply for an exemption certificate.
This includes age and income, and any diagnosed medical conditions. Some prescribed items are always free of charge on the NHS, such as contraceptives.
Am I entitled to free NHS prescriptions?
You’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you’re in one of the following groups:
How do I get my NHS exemption certificate?
For those in the following groups, you must apply to be provided with an exemption certificate:
Medication exemption certificates - you can apply by contacting your doctor
Maternity exemption certificates - you can apply for a maternity exemption certificate by contacting your doctor, midwife, or health visitor
NHS tax credit exemption certificates
Students aged 19 and over can apply for help through the NHS low income scheme. You can apply online in certain circumstances, otherwise you'll need to complete a HC1 form and post it to the address provided. You can order a HC1 form online.
What medical exemptions could I be entitled to?
If you have one of the following medical conditions, you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
cancer, including the effects of cancer
a permanent fistula (for example, a laryngostomy, colostomy, ileostomy or some renal dialysis fistulas) requiring continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison's disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
diabetes mellitus (except where treatment is by diet alone)
hypoparathyroidism
myasthenia gravis
myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
a continuing physical disability that means you cannot go out without the help of another person
Find out more here.
If you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions, you can add details of your exemption certificate in your Pharmacy2U account and have your medicine delivered for free too.
How long does a medical exemption certificate last?
Your medical exemption card is valid for 5 years or until your 60th birthday (whichever is sooner). If you’re a Pharmacy2U patient we’ll notify you once your exemption has expired and you should speak to your doctor to re-apply.
How do I renew my NHS medical exemption certificate?
If you lose or damage your certificate you can request a replacement here. You need to contact your GP to renew your exemption. If you’re a Pharmacy2U patient we’ll notify you around a month in advance of expiration, the NHS should also remind you too. You can check if your exemption is still valid below.
Are there any other cost saving certificates I could get?
If you’re not currently entitled to free NHS prescriptions, you could save money with a prescription prepayment certificate. It's like a 'season ticket' in that you pay a set price and this covers you for as many prescriptions as you need until it expires.
There are two options - you can buy a 3-month certificate for 3-month certificate for £32.05 or a 12-month certificate for £114.50 (as of 1st May 2024) - which can be paid upfront or in instalments. Depending on the number of prescription items you need in time, one of these options could save you money compared to you paying for each prescription individually.
What our patients say
Rated excellent with 400,000+ reviews as of October 2023
Worry free service
This service has taken all the worry out of ordering repeat perscriptions. They remind you when perscriptions are due & they are posted & within a couple of days they are there on your door mat. Exemplary service. Thank you.
Hester Pendino
Great service
Great service. With good liaison with my GP. And order always efficiently delivered. So much easier than queueing at the local chemist. I started using Pharmacy2U during the pandemic and no turning back.
Hilary Simpson
The help line staff were excellent
The help line staff were excellent, they understood my issue straightaway, told me they would need to speak to a line manager and would get back to me. The same person got back to me later in the day with an answer, issue resolved
Linda Lauren
Great user friendly service
This is a very easy service to use.
I order my medication online from the drs it goes straight through to Pharmacy2U they confirm they have received it and it is sent out for delivery. With emails keeping me informed of its status all along the way.Neil Etheridge
I get reminders when I need to order
I get reminders when I need to order. It is easy to order and I get updates to let me know how my order is progressing. Within a very short time it is put out for delivery. It is then up to Royal Mail to post it through my letterbox.
Janet Tittensor
Losing the monthly stress
Being able to request my prescription from the doctors and knowing that the items I require will be delivered to my door without delay. Originally I would go to the pharmacy after a 5 day wait to find that my prescription was not ready, so thank you for making my life easier.
Pat Cruttenden
Excellent service
Excellent service. Timely as ever. Prompted by P2U to re-order. From sending order to receipt was 7 days. Excellent as it includes GP’s approval sign off.
Ceijag
Download the Pharmacy2U app
Effortlessly manage your NHS repeat prescriptions anywhere, anytime with the Pharmacy2U app. Free to download and use, you can request the medicines you need and set handy reminders to reorder.
