Scott Weaver
Updated at: January 24, 2025 · 6 min read
What You Should Know About The NHS Prescription Cost Price Increases: January 2025 Edition
NHS Prescription Cost Price Increases in May 2025
As of the 1st of April 2024, the price of a prescription from the NHS is £9.90. The new price for NHS prescriptions in 2025 will be confirmed by Wes Streeting, current Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom. The price of a prescription with the NHS, as well as the price of wigs and fabric supports from the NHS is expected to change again due to inflation rate changes. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about these price changes, as well as alternative ways to get the medication and products you need.
Key Takeaways
NHS Prescription Cost Prices Are Rising:
NHS prescription prices, currently £9.90 per item, are expected to increase again in May 2025 due to inflation. Prices for items like wigs and fabric supports are also affected.
Prepayment Certificates Save Money:
NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs) let you pay a set price for multiple prescriptions over 3 or 12 months, helping to save money compared to single prescriptions.
UK Meds Offers Convenience and Value:
UK Meds provides a convenient way to get medications online, with a free private prescription (based on medical approval by a registered independent prescriber), at competitive prices. Subscriptions are available to save even more on regular treatments like Viagra, Ventolin inhalers & more.
Why have NHS prescription prices changed in the past?
In 2022, NHS prescription prices were frozen in order to help patients cope with the growing cost of living crisis. In 2023 & 2024, prices rose in line with inflation, despite the cost of living crisis being a very real issue for millions of people across the country. The changes were made in line with inflation rates.
What are the current and previous NHS prescription prices?
The current charge for an NHS prescription prior to May 2025 is £9.90.
Historical NHS Prescription Charges
Year | Prescription Charge |
| 2023/24 | £9.65 |
| 2022/23 | £9.35 |
| 2021/22 | £9.35 |
| 2020/21 | £9.15 |
| 2019/20 | £9.00 |
| 2018/19 | £8.80 |
| 2017/18 | £8.60 |
| 2016/17 | £8.40 |
| 2015/16 | £8.20 |
| 2014/15 | £8.05 |
| 2013/14 | £7.85 |
Source: NHS
The changes in price also affected the cost of wigs and fabric supports that are needed by thousands of people.
What will the new NHS prescription price be in May 2025?
The new price of an NHS prescription is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be more than the current price of £9.90 per item or appliance - the highest that an NHS prescription has cost so far. For context, 10 years ago in April 2013, an NHS prescription would cost £7.85.
What is the new inflation rate?
The reason that the NHS prescription price has risen is because of inflation rates. The latest inflation rate that was applied to prescription prices is 3.21% which has caused an increase of 25p in NHS prescription prices, as well as an increase in the price of wigs and fabric supports.
Does the new inflation rate apply to charges for wigs and fabric supports?
Yes, as previously mentioned the inflation rate of 3.21% also applies to the cost of wigs and fabric supports on the NHS. For example, surgical bras now cost £31.70, abdominal or spinal supports now cost £49.05 and stock modacrylic wigs will cost £80.15.
For the latest updates visit GOV.UK
What is the cost of NHS prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs) since May 2024?
An NHS prescription pre-payment certificate, also known as a PPC, is a method of prepaying for your prescriptions in order to save money. The idea is that you paid a set price for 3 or 12 months no matter what you need. You can also get a PPC for HRT (hormone replacement therapy) products. The inflation rates have also affected the cost of NHS PPCs.
A three-month PPC used to cost £31.25 and now costs £32.05 and a 12-month PPC, which used to cost £111.60 now costs £114.50.
Is there a difference in the NHS prescription price for a single prescription compared to the price of an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)?
Yes, because of the rise in price, there is a difference between the price of a single prescription and an NHS prescription pre-payment certificate.
If you were to get a single prescription once a month for three months you would be paying £29.70.
What is the cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy prescription pre-payment certificate after 1st May 2024?
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is a medical treatment that is used to replace hormones that the body no longer produces or produces insufficiently. Hormone replacement therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions related to hormonal imbalances, such as menopause, hypogonadism, or transgender hormone therapy.
On the NHS, you can get HRT prescription pre-payment certificates. With the new price changes, these will now cost you £19.80.
What are the latest NHS Prescription Prices for the different types of prescriptions?
Here is a handy table that summarises the new NHS prescription prices, from 1st April 2023.
| Single Charge | £9.90 |
| 3 Month PPC | £32.05 |
| 12 Month PPC | £114.50 |
| HRT PPC | £19.80 |
What are the latest NHS prices for wigs and fabric supports?
Here is a handy table that summarises the new prices of wigs and fabric supports on the NHS.
| Surgical Bra | £32.50 |
| Abdominal or Spinal Support | £49.05 |
| Stock Modacrylic Wig | £80.15 |
| Partial Human Hair Wig | £212.35 |
| Full Bespoke Human Hair Wig | £310.55 |
How do the latest NHS Prescription Price compare to UK Meds?
The honest answer is that it varies depending on the medication.
At UK Meds we are continually reviewing our prices so that we can provide you with the most convenient service, at the fairest price in a legal, safe and responsible way.
You can get your medications in three convenient steps.
1) Choose your treatment.
2) Complete an online consultation form which will be reviewed by a registered independent prescriber.
3) We will deliver your medication to you. You don't even need to leave your house.
Are medication subscriptions available at UK Meds?
To save even more money when shopping online with UK Meds you can also purchase your medications on a subscription basis. For example, if you purchase three Ventolin Evohalers on a three-month basis you will pay £26.97, this is just £8.99 per inhaler.
Customer Experiences: Ordering Medication Online at UK Meds
See what our customers have to say about their experiences of ordering medication online at UK Meds:
Sources
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