Who gets prescriptions free in the UK?
We will now explain who gets prescriptions free in the UK.
You are entitled to free prescriptions if you:
- are 60 years or over. You will need to be able to prove your age
- are under 16 years
- are 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
- have a specified medical condition (like diabetes, or are on dialysis) and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
- have a continuing physical disability and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
- hold a valid war pension.
NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)
If you have several regular prescriptions, and have to pay for them, it is much cheaper to use a NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC): https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/prescription-prepayment-certificates-ppcs
These cost £111.90 per year and can save you a lot of money. Why? If you pay for each prescription, it is currently £9.65 per item and many GPs will only prescribe 2 months worth.
Prescriptions are free of charge in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Summary
We have described who gets prescriptions free in the UK. We hope it has been useful,
Other resource
The NHS website explains more on free prescriptions here.
Last Reviewed on 30 April 2024