Who qualifies for free prescriptions?
- Children under 16
- Young people aged 16–18 in full-time education
- People aged 60 or over
- Pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months (with a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate)
- Living with a specified medical condition (with a valid Medical Exemption Certificate)
- Receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit
In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, all prescriptions are free regardless of age or income.
The 2026 prescription charge
In England, the standard prescription charge in 2026 is £9.90 per item. If you need more than one item per month, a Prepayment Certificate (PPC) may save you money — costs £32.05 for three months or £114.50 for twelve months.
How to claim a refund
If you paid a prescription charge but were exempt at the time, you can claim a refund using form FP57. Ask for this form at the pharmacy when you pay. You have three months to submit the claim.
Penalty charges
Pharmacies conduct random checks. If you claim an exemption you are not entitled to, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice of £100 plus the cost of the prescription.