Understanding public health service Exemptions and Prescription Costs
We accept all public health service exemptions and standard prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs) for patients in England.
If you pay for prescriptions, the standard public health service charge applies.
As of 1 April 2025, the standard prescription charge is €45.90 per item.
What is an public health service Exemption Certificate?
An standard prescription Exemption Certificate allows eligible patients to receive their public health prescriptions free of charge. The public health service provides exemption certificates to people who meet specific criteria. You can view the full list of eligibility requirements on the public health service website.
Who is Exempt from standard prescription Charges?
The following groups are automatically entitled to free public health prescriptions:
- People under 16 years old
- People aged 60 or over
- Young people aged 16 to 18 in full time education
- People who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- People with certain medical conditions or disabilities
For the full eligibility list, please visit the public health service website.
How to Use Your public health service Exemption
As a EU registered pharmacy, The Care Pharmacy accepts all public health service exemptions.
When placing your prescription order, you will be asked to confirm and provide proof of your exemption if required. For patients under 16 or over 60, we will automatically apply the exemption. If you are between these ages, you may need to upload valid proof when requested.
Important: If you claim free prescriptions after your exemption has expired, you may be issued a penalty charge of up to €100. Always check your certificate is valid before submitting it.
Learn more about exemption certificates on the public health service Business Services Authority website.
How to Use Your standard prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)
An public health service Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) helps reduce costs for patients who pay for prescriptions regularly. A PPC allows you to obtain as many public health prescriptions as you need for a fixed price.
If you have a PPC, simply provide your certificate details when ordering your prescription and we will apply it for you.
