NHS prescription charges are going up by around 3% in May 2024. However, there are still ways to save on medicines.
New prescription charges are coming in from 1 May 2024 in England, with prices going up 2.59%, although they will be rounded to the nearest 5p.
For a standard prescription, it will now cost £9.90, which is a 25p increase.
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The cost of prescription payment certificates, wigs, HRT and fabric supports is also increasing.
NHS prescription cost increases 2024
From 1 May 2024, a single prescription will go up from £9.65 to £9.90.
You need to pay a prescription for each item the doctor prescribes you.
This means that if you need three different medicines, you will need to pay the prescription charge three times.
However, you can save by using a prescription payment certificate (PPC). While the cost of this is also going up, it will save you a lot over a year if you regularly have to pay for prescriptions.
The table below shows the price increases:
| Item | Current cost until 30 April 2024 | New costs from 1 May 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Single prescription charge | £9.65 | £9.90 up 25p |
| 3-month PPC | £31.25 | £32.05 up 80p |
| 12-month PPC | £111.60 | £114.50 up £2.90 |
| HRT PPC | £19.30 | £19.80 up 50p |
| Surgical bra | £31.70 | £32.50 up 80p |
| Abdominal or spinal support | £47.80 | £49.05 up £1.25 |
| Stock acrylic wig | £78.15 | £80.15 up £2 |
| Partial human hair wig | £207.00 | £212.35 up £5.35 |
| Full bespoke human hair wig | £302.70 | £310.55 up £7.85 |
Free NHS prescriptions
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get free prescriptions, dental treatments and eye tests.
Why pay if you can get it free or much cheaper?
You can check if you qualify in around 3 minutes using the NHS site, but it generally applies to anyone under 18 and still in full time education, people aged over 60, if you are pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months, or are receiving certain benefits.
The NHS Low Income Scheme can also help with the full cost of NHS prescriptions or support towards the costs
Contraception and medicines prescribed for hospital inpatients are always free.
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