Lana Oconnell
In the UK, students over the age of 18 are generally required to pay for prescriptions, unless they meet certain criteria. The cost of prescriptions varies depending on the country within the UK. In England, prescriptions cost £9.65 per item, whereas in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free of charge. International students in the UK are required to pay an immigration health surcharge, which is typically around £470 per year, in order to access NHS services. In the US, the cost of prescription drugs can vary and may be expensive, especially for those without health insurance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | In England, 20-year-old students have to pay for prescriptions. In Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, they are free of charge. |
| Income | Students with an income of less than £16,000 per year may be eligible for support with prescription costs. |
| Prescription Prepayment Certificate | Students with multiple prescriptions can save money by purchasing a prescription prepayment certificate. |
| NHS Low Income Scheme | Students on contribution-based benefits or Universal Credit may be eligible for help with healthcare costs, including prescriptions, under the NHS Low Income Scheme. |
| Exemption Certificates | Students with a valid medical exemption certificate, maternity exemption certificate, or war pension exemption certificate are entitled to free prescriptions. |
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What You'll Learn
- Students in England who are 19 or over will have to pay for prescriptions
- Students may be eligible for help with prescription costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme
- Students can save money with a prescription prepayment certificate
- Students registered with a GP in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales get free prescriptions
- Students with certain medical conditions can apply for a medical exemption certificate
Students in England who are 19 or over will have to pay for prescriptions
In England, students aged 18 or under in full-time education do not have to pay for prescriptions. However, students aged 19 and over will have to pay for prescriptions for most medications unless they are exempt. The cost of each prescription usually increases slightly every April, and as of 2025, prescriptions cost £9.65 per item.
There are some medications that are always free, including contraceptives and medicines prescribed to hospital inpatients. Additionally, students with a low income may be eligible for help with prescription costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme. To qualify, students must have an income of less than £16,000 per year, including any savings, investments, or property. Under this scheme, students may be eligible for either an HC2 or HC3 certificate, which can provide full or partial coverage of prescription costs.
For students who do not meet the criteria for free or subsidised prescriptions, there are other ways to save on prescription costs. One option is to purchase a prescription prepayment certificate, which allows students to pay for 3 or 12 months upfront and covers all prescriptions during that period. A 3-month certificate costs £31.25, while a 12-month certificate costs £111.60.
It is important to note that the rules regarding prescription charges can vary depending on the region within the UK. For example, students registered with a GP in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales will receive prescriptions free of charge, regardless of their age or income.
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Students may be eligible for help with prescription costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme
In England, students aged 18 or under in full-time education do not have to pay for prescriptions. However, those aged 19 and over will have to pay for prescriptions for most medications or treatments unless they are exempt. Students may be eligible for help with prescription costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme.
The NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) helps those with a low income to cover their NHS costs. To be eligible, your savings, investments, or property (excluding where you live) should not exceed the capital limit of £16,000. If you live in a care home, the limit is £23,250, and £24,000 if you live in Wales. If you are a student with an income of less than £16,000 per year, you will likely fall into the low-income bracket and be eligible for support with NHS costs, including prescriptions.
Depending on your circumstances, you can receive full help (HC2 certificate) or partial help (HC3 certificate) with the NHS Low Income Scheme. You qualify for full help if your weekly income is less than or equal to your weekly requirements, which include a personal allowance to cover your day-to-day living expenses and housing costs. If your income is greater than your weekly requirements by more than half the current NHS prescription charges, you may be entitled to partial help.
To apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, you can apply online or by sending your application by post. The application process is said to take around 20 minutes, and you should receive a response within 18 working days. If you have already paid for treatment before applying, you may be able to claim a refund within three months of the date you paid.
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Students can save money with a prescription prepayment certificate
In England, students aged 19 and over will have to pay for prescriptions for most medications or treatments unless they are exempt. However, students may be eligible for help with prescription and other healthcare costs. For instance, if you have an income of less than £16,000 per year, you will be eligible for support with NHS costs, including prescriptions, under the NHS Low Income Scheme.
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Students registered with a GP in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales get free prescriptions
In England, students aged 18 or under in full-time education do not need to pay for prescriptions. However, those aged 19 and over will have to pay for most medication or treatment unless they are exempt. Students may be eligible for help with prescription and other healthcare costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme. If your income is less than £16,000 per year, you will be eligible for support with NHS costs, including prescriptions.
Students registered with a GP in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales get free prescriptions, regardless of their age, income, or other factors.
For those who have repeat prescriptions, it could be cost-effective to buy a prepayment certificate, which allows you to pay for 3 or 12 months upfront. A PPC will cover all of your prescriptions for that period, regardless of how many you need. A PPC costs either £31.25 for 3 months or £111.60 for 12 months.
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Students with certain medical conditions can apply for a medical exemption certificate
In England, students aged 19 and over will have to pay for prescriptions for most medications/treatments unless they are exempt. Students may, however, be eligible for help with prescription and other healthcare costs. For instance, if you have an income of less than £16,000 per year, you will be eligible for support with NHS costs, including prescriptions. Under the Low Income Scheme, you may be eligible for either an HC2 or an HC3 certificate. However, an HC3 certificate does not cover prescriptions, so you will still have to pay for them in full.
If you need more than three items in three months or 11 items in 12 months, you can save money with a prescription prepayment certificate. Students can pay for this certificate to start saving on prescription costs. A prescription prepayment certificate costs either £31.25 for 3 months or £111.60 for 12 months.
It is important to check whether you are eligible for free prescriptions, as you could be charged a penalty fee of up to £100 if you claim free prescriptions that you are not entitled to.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, students over the age of 18 in England have to pay for prescriptions.
Prescriptions cost £9.65 per item. This charge typically increases every April.
Yes, students may be eligible for help with prescription costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme if their income is less than £16,000 per year. Students can also purchase a prescription prepayment certificate which allows them to pay for 3 or 12 months upfront.
You can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme online or by sending your application in the post. The application takes around 20 minutes to complete and you should receive a response within 18 working days.
