What is the difference between a private and NHS prescription?

One of the greatest benefits of living in the UK is that everyone is entitled to free healthcare through the NHS. However, while there are no fees associated with visiting your GP or seeing a specialist if you’re prescribed medication you will need to pay for it. At the time of writing, the current cost of NHS prescriptions is 9.35 per item. 

Most adults have to pay for NHS prescriptions, but some groups are eligible for free medications. These include people who: 

  • Are aged 60 or over
  • Are pregnant or have a maternity exemption certificate 
  • Have certain medical conditions 
  • Are an NHS in-patient
  • Receive certain benefits  

Children under the age of 16 are eligible for free prescriptions as are those aged 16-18 who are in full-time education. 

What is a Private Prescription?

While the NHS is an amazing resource, the NHS has its limits. Waiting lists are notoriously long, it can be difficult to get an appointment, and some medications can only be obtained privately. This is why more people turn toward private healthcare when they need faster treatment. 

private prescriptions services

A private prescription is one that hasn’t been issued through the NHS. There are no exemptions for the cost of a private prescription so it will always need to be paid for by the patient. In some cases, the cost of a private prescription may be less than an NHS medication but it can also be significantly higher than an NHS medication. These costs can include the doctor’s charge for issuing it, the pharmacist’s charge for dispensing it, and the cost of the medication itself. 

Private and NHS GPs and doctors can both write private prescriptions. If an NHS healthcare provider gives you a private prescription, it’s usually because the medication isn’t normally available through the NHS. When issued by private healthcare providers, including online GPs, there is also a fee for your appointment. 

NHS and Private Prescription Services from Pond Pharmacy 

Pond Pharmacy is a trusted community pharmacy providing NHS prescriptions services in Chislehurst and Bromley. We also offer private prescriptions services in Bromley and Mottingham. Whether you need NHS or private prescriptions, our fast, efficient, and friendly NHS prescription services in Mottingham and private prescriptions services in Chislehurst can help. 

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