That age-old question: do uni students pay for prescriptions?
You've made the journey to university, you're settling in, making memories and mates. But then your tonsils swell up over winter and your mum isn't on hand with the Lemsip — what do you do then?
Yep, you've got to drag yourself out of bed and see the GP. But what about prescriptions? Do uni students pay for them? Are they free?
Here's everything you need to know about whether students pay for prescriptions, which ones are free, and who qualifies for an exemption.
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What is a prescription?
A prescription is a letter from your doctor that you take to a pharmacy in exchange for medication. When you visit a GP or hospital, you'll usually get a prescription signed off by a doctor, telling you what medication and dosage you need.
You might need a prescription for anything from severe allergies to antibiotics or contraception.
Check out our pharmacy student discounts
Do students pay for prescriptions in England?
In England, if you're 16-18 and in full-time education, you get all prescriptions for free. So if you're in sixth form, college, or your first year at uni, you won't have to pay.
Once you're 19 or over, though, you'll have to pay for most medications unless you're exempt. Exemptions include people with certain disabilities, those receiving benefits or on a low income, and all contraception, which is always free.
In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free full stop — it's only in England where you'll pay once you turn 19.
Do uni students in England pay for prescriptions?
The same rule applies at uni as anywhere else — free until 18, £9.90 a pop from 19. The one extra thing worth knowing: if you're a Scottish, Welsh, or Northern Irish student studying in England, you can get an exemption card so you keep getting free prescriptions while you're there.
How much are prescriptions in England?
The current NHS prescription charge in England is £9.90 per item, frozen for a second year running.
If you're on a repeat prescription, a prepayment certificate lets you pay upfront for 3 or 12 months. A 3-month certificate costs £32.05, and a 12-month one costs £114.50 — both unchanged this year too
Are prescriptions free in Scotland?
Yes, prescriptions in Scotland are free. Prescription forms from Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man are dispensed for free there too.
Are prescriptions free in Wales?
Yes, prescriptions are free in Wales.
Are prescriptions free in Northern Ireland?
Yes, they're free in NI too.
Are antidepressants free?
Not in England — you'll pay the standard £9.90 charge per prescription, which usually means paying monthly for as long as you need the medication. In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, where there's no prescription charge at all, antidepressants are free.
Is contraception free?
Yes, contraception is free on the NHS across the UK. Methods like the pill, IUDs, the patch, and the injection are all free, and every appointment with a nurse or doctor stays confidential. Options like the IUD or implant can be fitted and removed for free by a nurse at your local GP surgery or sexual health clinic — including for under-16s.
Condoms themselves aren't free, but you can usually get them for free from a sexual health
Is the contraceptive pill free?
Yes; there are several types of contraceptive pill, including the combined pill and the progestogen-only pill, and commonly prescribed brand names include Microgynon, Rigevidon, Yasmin, and Cerazette.
Are STI tests free?
STI tests are free on the NHS. Head to your local sexual health clinic to get tested, or for STIs that only need a urine sample or swab, you can order a kit to your home and send it off — here's how to get a free STI home testing kit.
What should you do if you can't afford a prescription?
If you can't afford a prescription, there are a few routes to an exemption. If you're on benefits or a low income, you can apply for help paying, or you may be eligible for free prescriptions outright.
Though from April 2026, Income Support and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance no longer qualify new claimants automatically, since both are being phased out in favour of Universal Credit; the NHS Low Income Scheme is the route to use instead.
Pregnant or recently pregnant women are eligible for free prescriptions for 12 months after giving birth. If you're struggling financially more generally, it's worth reaching out to your university's guidance team to see what support they can offer.
HC2 certificate explained – full help with health costs
An HC2 certificate is an exemption certificate you can apply for to help with health costs, including prescriptions. With an HC2, you get free prescriptions, free NHS dental treatment and sight tests, plus help covering the cost of glasses, contact lenses, and travel to and from NHS appointments. You can check your eligibility here.
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HC3 certificates – limited help with health costs
If you apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme and get an HC3 certificate, you'll get limited help with health costs — the certificate tells you exactly how much. HC3 also covers things like NHS dental treatment, glasses, eye tests, and prescriptions.
Who gets free prescriptions?
In England, you're entitled to free prescriptions if you meet certain exemptions. You qualify if:
You're under 16
You're 16-18 and in full-time education
You're over 60
You're pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
You have a specified medical condition and an exemption certificate
You're on Universal Credit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or hold a valid HC2 certificate
You have an ongoing physical disability that means you can't go out without someone else's help
You can see the full list of exceptions here. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there's no prescription charge at all – everyone gets free prescriptions.
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