Many people who get regular prescriptions could save with a certificate that covers all their costs

Hundreds of thousands of patients are paying more than they need to each year for their prescriptions, with some losing hundreds of pounds by paying for their items individually, instead of taking advantage of an NHS scheme.

Prescriptions in England cost £9.90 per item, but those who need regular medicines can pay £114.50 to get a certificate that covers all their purchases.

Figures obtained by The i Paper show that more than 700,000 people bought at least 12 prescription items in the last financial year and could have saved cash by getting a certificate.

More than 1,000 patients paid for 50 or more individual items, which would have cost them at least £495.

This means they could have saved £380 or more with a certificate.

Campaigners say the figures show a “troubling gap in public awareness” that is costing patients cash.

Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: “With over a thousand people paying for 50 or more prescriptions each year, it’s clear that many are missing out on the savings offered by the Prescription Prepayment Certificate.

“Our research shows that many patients are already being forced to make impossible choices between their health and essentials like food or housing, and this kind of financial strain can have a serious impact on wellbeing.

“This investigation highlights a troubling gap in public awareness that’s costing patients dearly.”

She added that the Government and the NHS should commit to a full review of the prescription charges system and collaborate with patients on a new process that is accessible, well-communicated and “fit for purpose”.

Figures, obtained via a freedom of information request from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), show that 1,136 people in England paid for more than 50 prescriptions between April and the start of March last year, with March’s figures being unavailable.

Some 98,676 people paid for 20 or more individual items, meaning they would likely have paid more than £200 in total, while 703,840 paid for 12 or more, the minimum amount that you would need to buy to save money with the certificate.

In the 2023/24 financial year, for which full figures are available, 1,660 paid for 50 or more individual items, 129,868 bought 20 or more, and 871,974 bought 12 or more.

As well as 12-month prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs), patients can get three month certificates, which cost £32.05 and will save you money if you need more than three prescribed items in three months.

These certificates cover all your all NHS prescriptions, including NHS dental prescriptions, but do not cover the cost of other health items, such as wigs and fabric supports.

A specific hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC is available and costs £19.80, which will save you money if you need more than two prescribed qualifying HRT items in a year.

Prescriptions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are free.

Some people in England also get free prescriptions if they are under 16, aged 16-18 and in full-time education, aged 60 or over, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or have a valid exemption certificate.

An NHSBSA spokesperson said: “Whilst almost four million people used a PPC last year, we understand that not everyone who could benefit from a PPC has one.

“There isn’t a flag or notification as such, as a patient’s prescription needs may change. However, the NHSBSA works with pharmacists and pharmacy teams, as well as GPs and other healthcare professionals, to encourage people to check if they could get help with their NHS health costs.

“The NHSBSA also carries out targeted and national promotion of PPCs and other help with health costs.”

You can backdate a PPC by up to one month. This allows you to potentially claim refunds for prescription costs paid during that period.

Other ways to save on your prescriptions

Although a PPC is one way to save on your prescriptions, there are other ways to save.

You can check if you are eligible for free prescriptions using a calculator on the NHSBSA website.

If you are not eligible, some items may be cheaper to buy without a prescription.

You can also sometimes get identical medicines for far less.

For example, according to MoneySavingExpert.com, Sudafed Congestion & Headache Relief Day & Night Capsules are £5.99 at Boots.

But Savers’ Galpharm Max Cold & Flu Day & Night Capsules are just £1.19. Boots’ own-brand Max Strength Cold & Flu Relief Day & Night Capsules are £2.99. 

All three have an identical PL number (12063/0073), a unique licence number given exclusively to a particular drug made by a particular manufacturer.