If you live in England, there are four ways you can buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC):
- online – complete a PPC (FP95) application form on the NHS Business Services Authority website and pay by debit or credit card
- by phone – call 0300 330 1341, and pay by debit or credit card or set up a monthly direct debit
- by post – pick up an FP95 application form from any GP surgery or pharmacy, or download and print the form (PDF, 6Mb), then send the completed form with your cheque or postal order to the address shown on the form
- at a registered pharmacy – using the FP95 application form; you can pay the pharmacy directly. You can check if your local pharmacist is registered by visiting the NHS Business Authority page; the link is under the title "From a pharmacy registered to sell PPCs"
Your PPC will be valid from the date you buy it, unless you ask for a different start date. The start date can be up to one month earlier or one month later than the date you buy it.
If you're buying a 12-month PPC, you can pay over 10 months by direct debit. This will help you to spread the cost.
How much does a PPC cost?
A three-month PPC costs £29.10 and a 12-month PPC costs £104. The 12-month PPC will save you money if you need more than 12 items in a year. If you need:
- two items each month you can save over £100 with a 12-month PPC
- three items each month you can save over £205 with a 12-month PPC
- four items each month you can save over £305 with a 12-month PPC
What if I need a prescription now?
If you have to pay for a prescription before your PPC arrives, you can claim a refund of this charge later.
When you pay for the prescription, ask your pharmacist for an NHS receipt (FP57). It's important to remember to get an FP57 at the time, as your pharmacist can't give you one later.
Keep your FP57, as it tells you how to claim a refund. You can claim a refund of prescription charges up to three months after you pay them.
Further information:
Your health, your choices