NHS prescription charges are rising next week - with Brits set to pay almost £10 for each item of medicine.

From May 1, the cost of a single prescription will rise by 25p from £9.65 to £9.90. Alongside this, the prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) is also set to rise with a three month certificate increasing from £31.25 to £32.05. A 12 month PPC certificate will also be rising from the current price of £111.60 to £114.50.

PPCs are prepaid cards that cover all prescriptions for a certain amount of time. These certificates are best suited for those who have multiple NHS prescriptions due to the £9.90 price tag being for each medicine item. For example, if your prescription has three medicines on it you will have to pay the prescription charge three times. But if you have a PPC, then this will cover it.

An annual Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) certificate for menopausal women, introduced a year ago to cut costs, will also rise from £19.30 to £19.80. This pre-payment certificate can only be used when a patient is prescribed a listed HRT medicine

Wigs and fabric supports will also rise and from May 1 will cost:

  • Surgical bra - £31.70
  • Abdominal or spinal support - £47.80
  • Stock modacrylic wig - £78.15
  • Partial human hair wig - £207.00
  • Full bespoke human hair wig - £302.70

It's also important to remember that these rises only affect those living in England. This is because those in Scotland and Wales get their prescriptions free - no matter what their age.

On the rises, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Almost nine in ten items are available for free on the NHS in England and we provide a wide range of support to ensure everyone who needs a prescription can afford it. Those on a low income, aged over 60 or with qualifying medical conditions like cancer, epilepsy and diabetes all qualify for exemptions, as do children and pregnant women. Where charges are in place, it is important prices are regularly updated to ensure the NHS maintains a sustainable business model and can continue to deliver excellent patient care.”

Who can get free prescriptions?

Some Brits do not need to pay the near £10 for their medicines as they can get them for free. In England, people can claim a free NHS prescription if they are over 60 years old, under 16 years old, or are between the ages of 16 to 18 years and in full-time education.

People who are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous year and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx) also qualify, as do those with a medical condition or a continuing physical disability with a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx). Not all medical conditions or disabilities allow you to get free prescriptions, there is a specific group and these are:

  • A permanent fistula (for example, caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) which needs continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
  • A form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s Disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
  • Diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism
  • Diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement)
  • Epilepsy which needs continuous anticonvulsive therapy
  • A continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without the help of another person
  • Cancer and are undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment

People who hold a valid war pension or those who are an NHS inpatient can all also claim. People who receive certain Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits could also qualify for free prescriptions and further financial assistance in regard to looking after their health. You can check whether you are available for a free prescription with the NHS free prescription checker here.