Everything You Need To Know About NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate

The NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate is designed for those between the ages of 18 and 60 in full-time employment who usually have to pay for their prescriptions.

It’s specifically designed to help those currently paying the current rate of £9.00 for a prescription and purchasing more than three items per month.

In this post, we’ll look into who the certificate is suitable for, how much you could save and how you go about purchasing one.

How Long Does The NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate Last?

There are currently two options you can choose from when applying for the NHS prescription payment certificate;

3-month – £29.10

12-month PPC – £104.00

Can I Pay For The NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate In Installments?

There are currently multiple payment options available when purchasing an NHS prescription payment certificate.

These include purchasing a 12-month certificate and paying in monthly instalments via direct debit over a period of 10 months.

Is The NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate Available Outside England?

Unfortunately, you can only apply and use an NHS prescription prepayment certificate if you are a resident living in England.

How Can I Apply For A Certificate?

Apply Online

It’s quickest to buy your PPC online.

The PPC will start from the day you submit your application unless you request a different start date, but the start date must be within one month before or after the date of your application.

Apply On The Phone

you can call the PPC order line on 0300 330 1341.

Again, your certificate is valid from the day you make the phone call unless you request otherwise.

Apply At The Pharmacy

You can purchase a prescription prepayment certificate from the pharmacy, however, you won’t be able to set up a direct debit and instead will be required to pay in full.

The purchase is limited to certain pharmacies so you’ll need to ask at your local to see if it’s something they do. 

Apply By Post

Complete and sign your application form, and send it along with a cheque, postal order, or credit or debit card details to:

NHS Help with Health Costs PPC Issue Office PO Box 854 Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 2DE

How Much Can I Save Using A NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate

With the current rate of £9 per prescription, you’ll be ‘in profit’ from your fourth prescription within three months.

4 – prescriptions = £36.00
3 month certificate = £29.10

So, if you’re getting more than four prescriptions in three months, you should save money by purchasing the card.

Alternatively, if you’re likely to be needing more than twelve prescriptions in the space of twelve months then you’ll save money by purchasing a twelve-month certificate.

13-prescriptions = £117.00
12-month certificate = £104.00

If you know of anyone that might save money from the NHS prescription prepayment certificate then be sure to share this post with them using any of the methods below.

In the meantime, don’t forget to check out more ways you can save money on your health, written by a GP and personal finance blogger, Dr Nikki Ramskill.