NHS prescription charges frozen until 1 April 2026: What you need to know
In a welcome move, the Department of Health and Social Care announced that prescription charges will be frozen for the 2025 to 2026 financial year. This includes the standard prescription cost, as well as pre-payment certificates and charges for hormone replacement therapy.
We know that the cost of prescriptions is a real concern for many people. We have heard from individuals who told us they sometimes skip picking up their medication because they simply cannot afford it. This decision should offer some relief, especially as cost-of-living pressures continue to affect so many.
You can read the full announcement here:
What is staying the same?
From now until at least April 2026:
- A single NHS prescription will remain at £9.90
- A three-month pre-payment certificate stays at £32.05
- A 12-month pre-payment certificate remains at £114.50
- The hormone replacement therapy pre-payment certificate stays at £19.80.
View the full list of current charges and certificates:
Exemption groups (such as people under 16 or over 60, and those on certain benefits) remain unchanged, and charges for wigs and fabric supports will also stay the same.
This freeze comes after a delay in the usual announcement, which is typically made in March each year.
What about the dental charges?
While prescription costs are frozen, NHS dentistry charges increased on 1 April 2025 by an average of 2.3 percent.
More information on dental costs:
Help with prescription costs
If you are struggling with the cost of your prescriptions, you might be eligible for support. Many people are not aware of the options available to them, including pre-payment certificates and exemptions.
Check if you can get help:
More information and advice
For more information and support paying for your prescriptions, check out the following resources:
- NHS help with costs helpline – 0300 330 1343.
- NHS website on help with costs.
- Citizen's advice guidance on health costs.
- Macmillan information for those living with cancer.
- Age UK advice on free prescriptions for over 60s.
- Carers UK guidance for carers.
Want to talk more about NHS prescriptions?
If you have any questions about how this may affect you, or want to share your experience of NHS costs, we are here to listen
At Healthwatch North Yorkshire, we don’t offer medical advice—but we can take down your feedback and push for better care with those who fund, organise and provide it.
We can also guide and connect you to the support that’s right for you.
Get in touch:
Call us on 01423 788 128
Email us at hello@hwny.co.uk
Write to us for free (no stamp required) at: Freepost HEALTHWATCHNORTHYORKSHIRE
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Your voice matters. Whether you’ve had a great experience or a difficult one, speaking up helps shape better health and care services for everyone.
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