Prescription Prepayment Certificate Calculator
See whether an NHS prepayment certificate (PPC) saves you money. Each prescription item costs £9.90; a 3-month PPC is £32.05 and a 12-month PPC is £114.50 — enter your usual number of items and we'll do the maths.
PPC savings calculator
England prices — £9.90 per item.
Prices from the NHS Business Services Authority. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and NI.
What is a prescription prepayment certificate?
In England, each prescription item costs £9.90. If you need several items, the cost adds up fast. A prepayment certificate (PPC) is a kind of season ticket: you pay a fixed amount and then all your NHS prescriptions are covered for the period, no matter how many you collect.
A 3-month PPC (£32.05) pays for itself once you need more than 3 items in three months. A 12-month PPC (£114.50) pays for itself once you need more than 11 items a year — about one item a month.
PPC prices 2025/26
| Option | Cost | Breaks even at |
|---|---|---|
| Single item | £9.90 | — |
| 3-month PPC | £32.05 | 4+ items / 3 months |
| 12-month PPC | £114.50 | 12+ items / year |
| 12-month by direct debit | 10 × £11.45 | spreads the cost |
| HRT PPC | £19.80/year | unlimited HRT items |
Who gets free prescriptions anyway?
Many people don't pay at all. Prescriptions are free if you're under 16, 16–18 in full-time education, 60 or over, pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months (with a maternity exemption certificate), or have a qualifying medical condition or low income. If that's you, you don't need a PPC. Everyone else paying for regular medication should run the numbers — most people on long-term prescriptions save with the annual PPC.
Pay monthly to spread the cost. The 12-month PPC can be paid in 10 monthly direct-debit instalments of £11.45, so you never face the full £114.50 in one go.
Where to buy
You can buy a PPC online, by phone, or at many pharmacies. A new certificate can start up to 21 days ahead and can be backdated up to one month, so if you've recently paid for prescriptions you may be able to claim some of it back. Full details and the official buying page are on the NHS website.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an NHS prescription in England in 2025?
A single prescription item costs £9.90 in England. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How much does a prescription prepayment certificate cost?
A 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and a 12-month PPC costs £114.50. The 12-month PPC can be paid in 10 monthly instalments of £11.45 by direct debit.
When is a PPC worth buying?
A 3-month PPC saves money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months. A 12-month PPC saves money if you need more than 11 items a year — about one item a month.
Is there a separate HRT prepayment certificate?
Yes. The HRT PPC costs £19.80 a year and covers unlimited certain HRT items, which is cheaper than a standard PPC if HRT is all you need.
How do I buy a prescription prepayment certificate?
Buy a PPC online from the NHS Business Services Authority, by phone, or at some pharmacies. It can be backdated up to one month and started up to 21 days in advance.