How Can I Get Free NHS Prescriptions?

There is currently a flat rate fee of £9.90 per item (not per prescription) applied to a wide number of orders at your local pharmacy. However, not everyone has to pay this fee. Eligibility for free NHS prescriptions depends on factors such as age, health, income, and the nature of the prescription. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to check your eligibility, request refunds, and find additional support.

Do I Qualify for Free NHS Prescriptions?

You can check your eligibility by answering a series of simple questions online. The service will cover areas such as: 

• Where you live and how long you have resided there 
• How old you are and whether you have any underlying health issues 
• Your current prescriptions and regular medications

Completing the eligibility questionnaire and submitting your answers will take approximately three minutes. An NHS representative then reviews and forwards them to your local GP and pharmacy. Once you are deemed eligible, your request will be processed within 5 working days. You will not need to provide any formal proof alongside your responses to the questionnaire. 

Free prescriptions are issued on a case-by-case basis as part of a more personal, caring approach to delivering healthcare. These initial screening questions are designed to collect background information and there is more you can do should you find that you are still having to pay for medication you cannot afford. 

How Do I Get More Help With Prescription Costs?

There is an NHS help with costs helpline available on 0300 330 1343 that allows you to connect with a skilled professional who will guide you through your options. They will likely recommend you make an application to the Low Income Scheme to help address potential financial hardship if your initial application for free NHS prescriptions was declined. Doing so will give you access to additional help and support based on your household income, assets, and savings.

At the time of writing, the following means-tested thresholds (assessments based on your financial assets and how much you can reasonably afford to pay) apply in England for anyone looking to use the LIS: 

• £23,250 or below if you live permanently in a care home (rising to £100,000 from October 2025)
• £16,000 for anyone who does not fall into the previous category 

How Do I Apply for the NHS LIS?

You can apply by completing an HC1 form that will ask you to provide details covering things such as your age, location, underlying health issues, and current regular medication. The form can be submitted online by following the link above or can be sent by post to: 

Health Exemption Services

NHS Business Services Authority

Bridge House

152 Pilgrim Street

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 6SN

A new streamlined approach to online applications is currently being trialled and can be accessed at NHS Business Services Authority website. It should be noted that at time of writing the scheme is still in its pilot stage and not open to everyone across the UK. 

What Is a Prescription Prepayment Certificate?

Prescription Prepayment Certificates are designed to provide a degree of financial support to anyone in the UK who has a longstanding medical issue requiring long-term medication. It freezes the price of your prescriptions and offers them at a lower rate: 

• If you need 3 items or more in 3 months or less, you will pay a reduced fee
• If you need 11 items or more in 12 months, you will also pay a reduced fee
• The precise level of the discount is calculated based on your individual circumstances 

You can get a PPC by applying online and providing details of your underlying health condition(s) and the medication you expect to require over the next 3-12 months. 

How Do I Apply for a Refund on Prescription Charges?

Refunds can be issued if you have paid for prescriptions you are entitled to receive for free. The process is as follows:

• Ask your pharmacist to give you an FP57 refund receipt when you make the payment
• You will need to get the FP57 there and then as it cannot be provided later on 
• Check your eligibility on the link above and print a copy of the proof it generates
• Submit your request for a refund within 3 months of payment date 

Your local pharmacy will issue your refund and then handle the rest with the NHS directly. Once the refund has been authorised, you can expect to see the original payment added back into your account within 5 working days. 

Why Aren’t All NHS Prescriptions Free?

The NHS is free at the point of consumption in many cases, but work still needs to be done to balance the books. The NHS works closely to regularly review the extent to which all prescriptions can be free. Making all prescriptions free has not been deemed possible at this time. A full breakdown of NHS prescription charges will guide you through the fine details. 

Free NHS Prescriptions When You Need Them the Most 

Applying for free NHS prescriptions online takes as little as three minutes and only requires you to submit standard background information — no additional proof is needed. If your application is declined, or you find you need additional help, the LIS is available to provide support to those with low household income. 

FAQ’s