The NHS offers a little-known way to lower the cost of prescriptions with a « season ticket ». Some people who get routine items from the pharmacy could save hundreds of pounds.
Those who aren’t entitled to free prescriptions but require multiple medications each month could benefit from getting an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). These are available for anyone in England to purchase online.
NHS bosses behind the service claim that people who get more than a certain number of items per month (depending on their chosen coverage) could save more than £100 a year on medicine. In England, prescriptions cost £9.90 per item, but prepaying for an unlimited number of items with a PPC could cost people:
- £32.05 for three months
- £114.50 for 12 months (or 10 Direct Debit instalments of £11.45)
According to the NHS, an estimated 872,000 patients could have saved around £35 million (an average of £41 each) in 2023/24 by purchasing a 12-month PPC. As reported by Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert (MSE) team, people living in England who rely on regular prescription medication could stand to make a serious saving if they pay upfront for one of these special NHS certificates.
The experts said: « If you need [prescriptions] regularly, it can really add up. Alternatively, you can get a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). It’s a bit like a prescription season ticket and can mean big savings, yet many don’t take advantage and end up overpaying unnecessarily. »
How to get a PPC
People can buy a PPC online via the NHS website here. You can pay by card, or by direct debit if you’d prefer to spread the cost. Forms are also available at certain pharmacies. Alternatively, people can call 0300 330 1341 to use the PPC order line
The PPC will start from the day you submit your application, unless you ask for a different start date.
People should always double-check if they can get free prescriptions before they apply for a PPC. If you become eligible for free prescriptions after buying a certificate, you can reclaim the proportional cost for that time.
How does it work?
The NHS will send out a certificate once the patient has paid online. These details usually come via email, post or people can choose to print them at the end of their online service.
The NHS website reads: « Show your certificate details when you collect your prescription. You can collect prescriptions straight away, if your start date is today or earlier. »
The MSE team issued a warning to anyone paying for their certificate online, specifically those who set up a direct debit. If you paid for your PPC this way, people are being reminded that « it will auto-renew in the final month », with some exceptions.
- you’re turning 60 within nine months of the expiry date
- the Direct Debit was set up via telephone and paid for by a third party
- you have an outstanding balance
To stop your PPC recurring, you must cancel your Direct Debit with your bank and contact the NHS on 0300 330 1341 or via its online form. Once a PPC has begun, you’re expected to pay for the full term.
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