![\"NHS](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_NHS-prescription-medication.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPrescription charges have been frozen at \u00a39.90 but some people may be able to cut this down to \u00a30<\/p>\n
In England, the prescription charge is \u00a39.90(Image: GETTY)<\/p>\n
NHS <\/a>prescriptions charges for patients in England have been frozen at \u00a39.90 for the second year in a row until next April. Previously, the prescription charges<\/a> were increased at the beginning of each tax year, with the last rise increasing it from \u00a39.65 to \u00a39.90 in April 2024.<\/p>\n However, some people may be able to get them at a discounted rate or even for no cost at all but they will need to meet specific criteria and potentially provide proof. There\u2019s a broad range of exemptions that could qualify people for free prescriptions<\/a> including their age, having certain conditions or medications and their income levels.<\/p>\n Claiming free prescriptions<\/a> incorrectly could lead to a penalty charge. More information is available on the NHSBSA website including an online test which can show if you might be eligible for free prescriptions.<\/p>\n There is a range of exemptions for prescription charges(Image: GETTY)<\/p>\n Age<\/p>\n People who are under 16 or between 16 and 18 but are in full-time education normally qualify for prescriptions. Similarly people aged 60 and over receive free prescriptions on the NHS<\/a>.<\/p>\n Your date of birth is usually electronically noted on the prescription so people rarely need to provide proof of age when claiming their free prescriptions.<\/p>\n Benefits<\/p>\n People receiving at least one of the following benefits:<\/p>\n Income SupportIncome-based Jobseeker\u2019s AllowanceIncome-related Employment and Support AllowancePension Credit Guarantee CreditUniversal Credit<\/p>\n There is additional criteria you\u2019ll need to meet if you want to claim free prescriptions through your Universal Credit<\/a> benefit. People may also be eligible if they don\u2019t get these benefits themselves but rather if they are listed on a benefit award such as a dependent under the age of 20 or a partner of the recipient.<\/p>\n Pre-payment certificates can also save money on prescriptions(Image: GETTY)<\/p>\n Medical conditions<\/p>\n A number of different conditions can qualify for a medical exemption certificate allowing you to get free NHS prescriptions. You need to have the certificate, not just a qualifying condition, to be eligible and you may have to show it as proof when collecting your medication.<\/p>\n You can apply for a certificate through your GP and a full list of eligible conditions can be found online.<\/a> People currently being treated as an NHS inpatient also usually receive free prescriptions while in the service.<\/p>\n Pregnant women or new mothers with a valid maternity exemption certificate and people with a valid war pension exemption certificate needing a prescription for an accepted disability may also qualify for free prescriptions.<\/p>\n For people that don\u2019t qualify for entirely free prescriptions, there\u2019s still a number of ways they could potentially lower the costs of these items. HC2 <\/a>and HC3 certificates are available to people meeting the criteria on a low income which may fully or partially help with health costs.<\/p>\n![\"Person](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_Person-buying-medication.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Person](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775119997_125_0_Person-buying-medication.jpg\")
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