# What is an NHS prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)?

> Quick answer · Last updated 23 June 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificate/
Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificate.md

## In short

A prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) lets you pay a fixed upfront fee for unlimited NHS prescriptions in England for three or twelve months — £32.05 for three months or £114.50 for twelve months in 2026/27. It saves money if you need more than three items in three months or twelve in a year.

England charges £9.90 per prescribed item (2026/27). If you take regular medication — for example two monthly prescriptions — paying per item quickly exceeds the cost of a PPC. A three-month PPC costs £32.05 and covers any number of items in that period; an annual PPC costs £114.50 and covers twelve months of prescriptions.

You can buy a PPC online from the NHS Business Services Authority, by phone on 0300 330 1341, or using form FP95 at some pharmacies. It can start immediately or on a future date. There is also a dedicated HRT PPC at £19.80 per year covering listed hormone replacement medicines only — useful if HRT is your only regular prescription.

A PPC is not the same as an exemption. If you qualify for free prescriptions through age, benefits, medical exemption or an HC2 certificate, you do not need a PPC. PPCs suit people who pay for prescriptions but do not qualify for full exemption — for example workers just above the HC2 threshold with several monthly items.

Apply before collecting prescriptions where possible. If you buy a PPC after paying for items, you cannot usually reclaim individual charges already paid in that period. Keep your PPC reference number; pharmacies can look it up if you forget your certificate. PPCs apply in England only — Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do not charge for NHS prescriptions.

## Related

- [NHS prescription charges](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/nhs-prescription-charges-explained/)
- [NHS prescription charge in England](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/how-much-is-an-nhs-prescription-england/)
- [What is an HC2 certificate?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-hc2-certificate/)
- [Who gets free NHS prescriptions?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/who-gets-free-nhs-prescriptions/)

## Primary source

nhsbsa.nhs.uk/prescription-prepayment-certificates

---

Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.