Little-known NHS discount could save £100 a year if you pay for prescriptions

By Samantha Leathers, Lifestyle Reporter

The certificates could save hundreds of pounds for people on multiple prescriptions (Image: GETTY)

Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs), a lesser-known discount scheme, can help those who don't qualify for free prescriptions reduce their medication costs.

Available to anyone in England who pays for their prescriptions, PPCs are particularly beneficial for individuals with more than one monthly prescription.

However, if you only have one prescription per month, the savings might be minimal or could even result in additional expenses if you opt for the three-month certificate.

It's worth noting that there's a separate PPC for people receiving prescribed hormone replacement therapy, which has a different price and application process.

The standard PPC comes in two forms: a three-month certificate costing £32.05 and a 12-month certificate priced at £114.50. To put this into perspective, a single NHS prescription item currently costs £9.90.

A PPC covers an unlimited number of your own prescription items during its validity period, excluding support tights. You also have the option to spread the cost of a year-long certificate over 10 monthly instalments.

If you're only getting one prescription a month, it will cost £29.70 over three months and £118.80 a year, making it not particularly cost-effective for those with just one prescription.

However, two prescription items a month costs £237.60 a year, meaning the certificate would save you £123 a year or £27 over three months.

Those receiving four prescription items every month can make a staggering saving of £360 a year or £86 over three months. PPCs can be purchased online through the NHS site or over the phone on 0300 330 1341.

For people on eligible prescription hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, a specialised PPC is available for £19.80 for 12 months. This will cover all of your eligible prescriptions during that time regardless of how many different medications you need and will save money if you require more than two per month.

However, if your medication isn’t eligible under the HRT PPC it may be better to get a standard PPC which may cover the prescriptions. You can buy HRT PPCs online or through the phone on 0300 330 2089.