Save Money with an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)

Save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)

If you know you'll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC).

A PPC covers all your NHS prescriptions, including NHS dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need.

A PPC does not cover the cost of other health items, such as wigs and fabric supports.

Information:

Prescription charges are for each item not for each prescription. For example, if your prescription has 3 medicines on it you will have to pay the prescription charge 3 times.

There are 3 PPC options:

a 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months

a 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year

a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC costs £19.80 and will save you money if you need more than 2 prescribed qualifying HRT items in a year

A PPC for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) covers an unlimited number of some HRT medicines for 12 months, including if they’re prescribed for something other than menopause symptoms. Find out more about the HRT PPC from the NHS Business Services Authority website.

How to apply for a PPC

Check if you can get free prescriptions before you apply for a PPC.

You can buy an NHS prescription prepayment certificate online. The PPC will start from the day you submit your application, unless you ask for a different start date. The start date must be within 1 month before or after the date of your application.

You can also apply using the PPC order line on 0300 330 1341. Your PPC will be valid from the day you make the phone call, unless you request otherwise.

Some pharmacies may be able to sell you a 3-month PPC or the HRT PPC, which will be valid from the day you purchase it.