Good News! NHS Prescription Costs are Frozen for Another Year
Each year the NHS review the cost of a prescription item. And as we head into 2026, the announcement had given many people a sigh of welcomed-relief. As of 1st of May 2024, the standard cost for a single NHS prescription in England is £9.90. Heading into the new year, this cost will remain the same. Not only prescription items, but prepayment certificates have also been frozen.
This is great news for anyone and everyone who may need a prescription over the next year.
Why This Freeze Matters and How Prepayment Certificates Can Help
So, what has changed heading into the new year, or rather, what hasn’t? Well, currently within NHS England the cost of a single item is set to £9.90. And until at least April 2027; they will remain at £9.90. This means that the cost of vital prescriptions and medications will not increase.
With a prescription prepayment certificated (PPC), these work a little like a ‘season ticket’. Ensuring that instead of paying £9.90 for each item each time you receive a prescription, you just pay one flat charge and then get as many NHS prescriptions as you need during the period paid for. So regardless of whether you need one item per month or ten, you’re covered.
There are different PPCs available, so you can find the one that works for you. So, if you’re only needing a PPC short-term, or may be needing a more consistent cover; there’s an option for you.
If you’re paying for more than one prescription charge each month, it might be worth having a look to find if a PPC could save you money.
For HRT prescriptions, the HRT PPC can be a smart option; especially if you need more than two HRT medication per year.
How This Works With Our Online Pharmacy
This freeze across NHS England prescription charges means that you can still enjoy your prescription delivered to your door easily and discreetly. We understand how hard it can be to juggle GP visits, pharmacy queues, and prescription costs. That’s why we designed our NHS prescription service to make things more convenient.
- Free door-to-door delivery
- Discreet unbranded packaging
- Easy online sign-up
- No extra cost
With our online pharmacy, you pay exactly what the NHS charges. That’s just £9.90 per prescription item, unless you hold a PPC.
At The Family Chemist, we believe that prescriptions should be simple and stress-free for everyone. Those with busy schedules, mobility constraints, or regular medication needs should have access to medication easily.
How To Get Started
Getting started couldn’t be easier. Simply navigate to our NHS prescription page and complete our sign-up form. Fill in all the relevant information such as contact details, and prescription information (such as any exemption information for delivery details). And we take care of the rest. Once you’re all signed up, we are nominated to receive your NHS prescriptions directly from your GP where we’ll process and mail your medications directly to your door. At no extra charge.
The Bottom Line
In a time when so many everyday costs are rising, the freeze on NHS prescription charges for the upcoming year is a welcome bit of good news. Or for anyone taking regular medicines, whether for a long-term condition, HRT, or ongoing treatment, a prepayment certificate can significantly reduce your costs over time.
Paired with convenient delivery, easy sign-up, and discreet packaging, there’s never been a better time to streamline how you manage your prescriptions.