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As of April 2009 the prescription charge for medicines was £7.20 (which contrasts with Northern Ireland at £3.00, Scotland at £4.00 and Wales where they are free). People over sixty, children under sixteen (or under nineteen if in full time education), patients with certain medical conditions, and those with low incomes, are exempt from paying. More available from Nursing care.

Those who require repeated prescriptions may purchase a single-charge pre-payment certificate which allows unlimited prescriptions during its period of validity. The charge is the same regardless of the actual cost of the medicine, but higher charges apply to medical appliances. For more details of prescription charges, see About health costs, UK prescription charges and British Heart Foundation.