Martin Lewis Team Exposes Widespread NHS Prescription Overpayments
Financial guru Martin Lewis and his Money Saving Expert (MSE) team have unveiled crucial guidance that could prevent NHS patients in England from unnecessarily paying the £9.90 prescription charge. Their investigation reveals a significant opportunity for cost savings through what's commonly referred to as the NHS 'season ticket' – the prescription prepayment certificate (PPC).
Staggering Numbers of Patients Missing Out on Savings
According to fresh analysis from MSE, an estimated 881,000 people across England could have saved an average of £41 each during the twelve months leading to April 2025 by purchasing an annual prescription plan. This represents a slight increase from the previous year, when 872,000 patients missed similar savings opportunities.
England remains the sole UK nation where prescription charges still apply, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland offering free prescriptions to all residents. The current £9.90 per item charge represents an increase from £9.65 in the 2023/24 period, though numerous exemption categories exist.
Understanding the NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate
Issued by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), PPCs function as fixed-price passes for either three or twelve months, covering all NHS prescription medications during that period. These certificates prove particularly valuable for individuals requiring multiple medications regularly.
"The system operates on a per-item basis rather than per prescription," MSE clarifies. "If a single medicine contains two active ingredients, this counts as two separate items toward your certificate usage."
Current Pricing Structure and Availability
For the 2026/27 period, PPC prices have been frozen at:
- Three-month standard PPC: £32.05 (increased from £31.25 in 2023/24)
- Twelve-month standard PPC: £114.50 (increased from £111.60 in 2023/24)
- Twelve-month HRT PPC: £19.80 (increased from £19.30 in 2023/24)
MSE calculations demonstrate that a twelve-month PPC begins saving money once patients require twelve or more prescribed items annually, offering minimum savings of £4.30. The three-month version becomes cost-effective after four items, providing at least £7.55 in savings.
Specialised HRT Certificates Offer Additional Savings
The analysis reveals particularly significant opportunities for those requiring hormone replacement therapy. An estimated 209,000 people could have saved approximately £28 each on average – totalling £5.8 million collectively – by utilising the specialised HRT PPC.
This represents a decrease from the previous year's figures, when 286,000 patients missed potential savings of around £7.6 million through HRT certificates.
Practical Considerations and Payment Options
Patients can purchase PPCs through multiple channels including the NHSBSA website, participating pharmacies, or via telephone. Digital certificates become active immediately upon online purchase, while physical versions typically arrive within ten working days.
MSE highlights flexible payment arrangements: "For those unable to pay the full amount upfront, twelve-month standard PPCs can be purchased through ten monthly Direct Debit payments of £11.45 each."
The organisation also notes that patients who pay for prescriptions while awaiting their certificate can claim refunds using NHS FP57 forms, available from dispensing pharmacies.
Checking Eligibility for Complete Exemption
Before considering a PPC, MSE strongly advises patients to verify whether they qualify for complete prescription charge exemption. The NHS provides a helpful online tool titled 'Can I get free prescriptions?' to assist with this determination.
Exemption categories extend beyond low-income households and include:
- Individuals under 16 years old
- Those aged 16-18 in full-time education
- Anyone aged 60 or older
- Pregnant women and those who have given birth within the past year (with valid maternity exemption certificate)
Additionally, MSE reminds patients that some medications available without prescription – such as certain painkillers and skin treatments – may prove cheaper when purchased over-the-counter rather than through prescription channels.
The comprehensive analysis from Martin Lewis's team underscores the importance of understanding NHS prescription charging structures, particularly as England maintains its unique position within the UK healthcare landscape regarding medication costs.
