The Government has confirmed that NHS prescription charges in England will be frozen for the 2026/27 financial year, covering single prescriptions and prepayment certificates. Health minister James Frith provided the update in response to a parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome.
Mr Roome asked whether the Department of Health and Social Care periodically reviews the eligibility criteria for Medical Exemption Certificates granting free NHS prescriptions, and what matters are considered during such reviews.
Changes to exemption certificates
Medical exemption certificates are required for people who qualify for free prescriptions due to a medical condition. Previously, these certificates lasted for five years, but the rules recently changed so that for many medical conditions they now last 10 years.
In his written response, Mr Frith said: "We keep all policies under regular review." He added that the Government is taking proactive steps to keep medication costs affordable.
Charge freeze and current costs
Mr Frith said: "This Government is also continuing to take action to make prescriptions more affordable for everyone, including freezing prescription charges for the 2026/27 financial year, both for single prescriptions and the three month and annual prescription prepayment certificates commonly used for long-term conditions."
The standard NHS prescription cost in England is currently £9.90 per item. Prescriptions are completely free for everyone in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Rising costs over the years
The cost per item has steadily increased in recent years: £9.35 in 2021/2022, £9.35 in 2022/2023 (frozen), £9.65 in 2023/2024, and £9.90 from 2024/2025 through 2026/2027.
This means someone needing four prescription items a month pays £2.20 more per month than five years ago, or £26.40 more per year. The cost 10 years ago was £8.20 per item, £1.70 less than today.
Who qualifies for a medical exemption certificate
A 10-year medical exemption certificate is available to people with any of these nine conditions: a permanent fistula requiring continuous surgical dressing or an appliance; a form of hypoadrenalism requiring specific substitution therapy; diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism; diabetes mellitus except where treatment is by diet alone; hypoparathyroidism; myasthenia gravis; myxoedema requiring thyroid hormone replacement; epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy; or a continuing physical disability meaning you cannot go out without help from another person.
A five-year medical exemption certificate is available to those undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment.
