The NHS ultimately is a free service, but there is a charge for NHS prescriptions and at present it's £9.35. This is a subsided cost of the drugs, and the NHS will still pay most of the prescription charge, but it just needs a little from you. There are some exceptions such as contraception and inpatient hospital prescriptions. You may be entitled to free prescriptions if you meet the following: - If you are pregnant - You have long term medical conditions such as diabetes. - Claiming certain benefits. If you find yourself to be purchasing more than two prescriptions a month you might find buying a PPC (prescription prepayment certificate) to be a useful way of spending less money on prescriptions. Basically, there are 3 months and 12-month options, which you should select on what best suits you.