Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)

Did you know you can save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)?

If you know you’ll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) – effectively a prescription ‘season ticket’. A PPC covers you for all of your own NHS prescriptions, including dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need. However, this does not include other health costs, for example the provision of wigs and fabric supports which are only provided through the hospital service.There are two PPC options to choose from:

1. A three month PPC costs £29.10 and could save you money if you need more than three prescribed items in three months
2. A 12 month PPC costs £104.00 and could save you money if you need more than 12 prescribed items in a year

How much can I save?

• If you need two items each month you can save over £90 with a 12 month PPC
• If you need three items each month you can save over £190 with a 12 month PPC
• If you need four items each month you can save over £285 with a 12 month PPC

There are several payment options available. If you choose the 12 month PPC, you can pay for this by 10 monthly direct debit instalments.

• Check the current costs for NHS prescriptions

How to apply for a PPC

Please check if you are entitled to free prescriptions before you apply for your PPC.

It’s quickest to buy your PPC online. The PPC will start from the day you submit your application, unless you request a different start date. However, the start date must be within one month before or after the date of your application.

If you prefer talking to someone, you can call the PPC order line on 0300 330 1341. Again, your certificate is valid from the day you make the phone call unless you request otherwise.

Ensure you have your bank details or credit/debit card details ready.

Although the PPC is valid from the day of your application it may take a couple of days to receive your certificate. This means, until your PPC arrives you may have to pay for your prescription in advance and ask for a refund afterwards.

You can apply by post as well. Complete and sign your application form and send it with a cheque, postal order or credit/debit card details to:

NHS Help with Health Costs
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 2DE

Print off a PPC application form here (PDF, 12Mb) or pick one up from your GP surgery or pharmacy.

Some pharmacies may be able to sell you a prescription prepayment certificate. However, you won’t be able to pay via direct debit if you purchase from a pharmacist. Please either contact your local pharmacy or view the list of registered pharmacies on the NHSBSA website (bottom of the page) to find out who is selling PPCs.

Useful tips

Remember to apply for a new PPC in good time, otherwise you will have to pay full prescription charges if your PPC runs out.

If you have to pay for prescriptions while you are waiting for a new PPC and need to apply for a refund, ask the pharmacist for a refund and receipt form (FP57) in order to claim back the costs. You can claim for the refund of prescription charges up to three months after paying. The refund and receipt form (FP57) explains what to do.

If you buy a 12 month PPC by direct debit you are entering a commitment to pay all the instalments. If you use the PPC after failing to pay an instalment you may incur a penalty charge.

General refunds

If for any reason you need to claim a refund on money paid for your prescription prepayment certificate, please send the original certificate and a letter explaining why you want a refund to:

NHS Business Services Authority
Help with Health Costs
PO Box 854
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 2DE

The Hibbs Lupus Trust has joined together with over 30 other organisations to campaign for an end to unfair prescription charges for people with long-term medical conditions. Find out more about the Prescription Charges Coalition here.