When you visit a doctor in the UK, you might be given a prescription for medication- but not all prescriptions are the same. You may hear the terms NHS prescription and private prescription, and wonder what sets them apart. While both allow you to access the medicines you need, the key differences lie in who pays, how much you pay, and how the process works.
Understanding these distinctions can help you make informed choices about your healthcare, avoid unexpected costs, and know what to expect whether you’re visiting your GP, an online doctor, or a private clinic. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how NHS and private prescriptions differ, from costs and eligibility to convenience and accessibility.
What is an NHS prescription?
An NHS prescription is a medication order issued by a doctor, nurse, dentist, or pharmacist working within the National Health Service (NHS). It allows patients to access medicines that are approved for use on the NHS at a subsidised cost, meaning the NHS pays the majority of the price, and you pay only a small set charge.
In England, there’s a fixed prescription charge for each item, currently £9.90 per item (as of 2025). This fee goes towards the cost of providing NHS medicines and services, and it applies whether your prescription contains tablets, creams, or other forms of medication.
However, in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are completely free for everyone.
Some people in England are also exempt from paying, such as children under 16, people over 60, pregnant women, and those on certain benefits or with specific medical conditions.
Because the NHS covers most of the medication cost, the amount you pay is the same no matter how expensive the medicine itself might be, which makes NHS prescriptions a more affordable option for many patients.
What is a Private Prescription?
A private prescription is issued by a private doctor or clinic rather than through the NHS. Unlike NHS prescriptions, the full cost of the medication is paid for by the patient, along with a dispensing fee set by the pharmacy. The price can vary depending on the type of medicine, the brand, and the pharmacy you choose.
Private prescriptions are often used in situations such as:
- Attending a private GP or specialist appointment.
- Using an online doctor service for convenience or out-of-hours care.
- Accessing medicines not available on the NHS.
- Getting travel-related medications or vaccines.
Pros and Cons
When deciding between an NHS or private prescription, it’s helpful to weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of each option. Both have their place depending on your healthcare needs, budget, and how quickly you want access to treatment.
NHS Prescriptions
Pros:
- More affordable: Fixed charge per item (or free in some UK nations).
- Widely accessible: Available through most GPs, hospitals, and NHS services.
- Covers most common medicines: Suitable for a wide range of health conditions.
- Exemptions available: Many people qualify for free prescriptions.
Cons:
- Limited choice: Only medicines approved for NHS use are available.
- Longer wait times: Getting an NHS appointment can take longer.
- Less flexibility: You may not have a say in which brand or treatment is prescribed.
Private Prescriptions
Pros:
- Faster access: No need to wait for NHS appointments or approvals.
- More flexibility: Wider choice of medications, including non-NHS options.
- Convenient options: Can be issued through private clinics or online doctor services.
- Personalised care: Often includes more time and tailored advice during consultations.
Cons:
- Higher cost: You pay the full price of the medication plus a dispensing fee.
- Not subsidised: Costs can add up quickly for regular prescriptions.
- Insurance may not cover it: Some private medicines aren’t reimbursed by insurers.
Can you use both?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to use both NHS and private healthcare at the same time. Many people choose to mix the two, depending on their needs and circumstances.
For example, you might book a private consultation to see a specialist sooner, get a second opinion, or access a specific treatment. After that, you can often return to your NHS GP for ongoing care, monitoring, or follow-up appointments.
However, it’s important to understand that you cannot get an NHS prescription from a private consultation. If you see a private doctor, any medication they prescribe will be issued as a private prescription, meaning you’ll pay the full cost of the medicine.
Price Transparency Policy
In the UK, both the NHS and private healthcare providers are expected to follow price transparency policies, which ensure patients clearly understand what they’ll pay before receiving treatment or medication.
For NHS prescriptions, price transparency is straightforward — there’s a fixed national charge (currently £9.90 per item in England), or no charge in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This makes NHS prescription costs consistent and easy to understand across the country.
For private prescriptions, price transparency means that patients should be informed of all costs upfront, including:
- The price of the medicine itself.
- Any dispensing or service fees charged by the pharmacy.
- Any consultation fees charged by the private doctor or clinic.
We hope this blog has cleared things up a little more for you and you now have a better understanding of the differences between NHS prescriptions and private prescriptions. For more on how you can get your NHS prescriptions delivered for free, visit our website https://www.codapharmacy.co.uk/ .
Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way. From offering expert advice to delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.
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