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Prescription Prepayment Certificate: Save on Regular Prescriptions
If you pay for prescriptions, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate covers as many items as you need for a set price. A 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and saves money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months. A 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and saves money if you need more than 11 items a year. An HRT PPC costs £19.80 for 12 months of qualifying HRT medicines.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Prepayment Certificates
Prices
3-month PPC £32.05 (worth it for more than 3 items in 3 months). 12-month PPC £114.50 (more than 11 items in a year). HRT PPC £19.80 (more than 2 qualifying HRT items in a year). source
Charges Are Per Item
Prescription charges are for each item, not for each prescription. source
Buying and Refunds
Buy online from the NHS Business Services Authority, by phone, or at some pharmacies for the 3-month and HRT PPCs. If you pay while waiting, ask for an FP57 receipt to claim it back. You may get a refund if you become entitled to free prescriptions. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 3 or 12 monthsCertificate lengthChoose what suits you
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Count how many items you need a year.
Step 2 of 5
Check you are not already exempt.
Step 3 of 5
Buy the PPC online.
Step 4 of 5
Ask for an FP57 receipt if you pay while waiting.
Step 5 of 5
Set a reminder before it runs out.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
NHS Business Services Authority
Runs exemption certificates, the Low Income Scheme and penalty charges.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Check whether you already qualify for free prescriptions before buying a PPC.
These rules are for England. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and help with other costs differs there.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.