Prescription Costs - United Kingdom

United Kingdom

A very large number of people in the countries of the United Kingdom get prescriptions partly or totally paid for by National Insurance from the National Health Service. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland prescriptions are free to all citizens. While in England prescribed medicines and medical supplies are free of charge to:

• those under 16 years old;
• those aged 16–18 in full-time education;
• those aged 60 or over;
• holders of a valid Medical Exemption Certificate for a number of chronic conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, etc.;
• holders of a Maternity Exemption Certificate;
• holders of an HC2 certificate (awarded on the basis of low income);
• those with a War Pension Exemption Certificate;
• recipients of income related benefits including: Pension Credit, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance and Income Support.

For others each prescribed item, regardless of nature or quantity, costs £7.85. A prescription pre-payment certificate (or PPC) can be bought for £104.00, and covers unlimited prescriptions for 12 months. Alternatively, 3-monthly PPCs may be bought for £29.10 (Prices as of 1st April 2013). PPCs are sold to the public by the NHS Business Services Authority.

Other forms of health insurance and private medical care are available, but low income does not prevent access to medical care for most conditions.