Private prescriptions, issues and the cost of delivery to you
How much is a private prescription?
The cost of a private prescription varies depending on the medicine prescribed and the quantity supplied.
The dispensing price for each private prescription will be confirmed by our pharmacy team. If you would like to check the cost before your prescription is dispensed, please contact us and we will be happy to provide a price.
NHS Prescription Charges and Prepayment Certificates (PPC)
In England, NHS prescription items are currently charged at £9.90 per item. This charge applies to each individual item on your prescription, not the total number of medicines on the form.
If you receive two or more prescription items each month, you may save money by purchasing a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC).
What is a PPC?
A PPC allows you to pay a set fee in advance and collect as many NHS prescription items as you need over a chosen period of three or 12 months.
To buy a PPC, please visit the official NHS website for full details and current prices.
NHS prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Private Prescription Costs
The cost of a private prescription is based on the medicine prescribed and the level of service provided.
Traditionally, a private prescription is issued during a face-to-face appointment with a private doctor. Some providers now offer online consultations, where a doctor assesses your condition remotely and posts a paper prescription to you. You then take this prescription to a pharmacy to have it dispensed. As it is a private prescription, you will need to pay the full cost of the medicine and any associated fees. It is not charged at the standard NHS prescription rate.
There are also online services that arrange private prescriptions without a paper copy being sent to you. In these cases, you complete an online medical questionnaire, which is reviewed by a qualified prescriber. If appropriate, the prescription is issued and the medicine is supplied.
Whichever route you choose, private prescriptions are only issued following an appropriate clinical assessment to help ensure medicines are supplied safely and responsibly.
Generic vs branded medication
When obtaining a private prescription, it is important to remember that the price is not fixed. You may be able to reduce the cost by asking whether a generic version of your medicine is available.
Branded medicines are usually the original version of a drug, developed and marketed by a pharmaceutical company. After a set period, the patent expires. Once this happens, other manufacturers can produce the same medicine using the same active ingredient, but under different brand names.
Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as the original branded product and are required to meet the same standards of quality, safety and effectiveness. They are often less expensive because the manufacturers do not need to cover the original research, development and marketing costs.
If cost is a concern, you can speak to your prescriber or pharmacist about whether a suitable generic alternative is available for your prescription.
Trouble collecting your prescriptions?
Private prescription purchased online
Many patients ask how to obtain a private prescription online, often because they value discretion and convenience.
In recent years, regulated online healthcare services have made it easier to access private prescriptions. These services arrange a clinical assessment with a qualified prescriber before issuing any medication, helping to ensure treatment is appropriate and safe.
If you would prefer to see a doctor in person, you can book an appointment with a private GP who can issue a private prescription following consultation. If you would rather not attend a face-to-face appointment, online consultation services may be available as an alternative.
With Hot Chemist, private prescriptions can be dispensed and sent to an address of your choice.
All medicines are packaged discreetly to protect your privacy. If you would like to know more about how our service works, please contact our pharmacy team for further information.
How to get your private prescription dispensed at Hot Chemist
At Hot Chemist, we aim to offer a prompt turnaround for regularly stocked items. Private prescriptions are sent using a tracked courier service.
Delivery charges start from £10.00 per parcel (under 10kg). A signature is required on delivery. Please ensure your contact details are up to date so we can process your order and arrange payment.
How to Send Your Prescription to Us
You can post your private prescription to:
Milton Keynes
Hot Pharma Ltd T/A Hot Chemist,
39 Carters Lane,
Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes,
MK11 3HL
England
Yorkshire
Unit E Knaresborough Technology Park, Manse Lane
Knaresborough
North Yorkshire
HG5 8LF
England
If your prescription has been issued electronically, we can review electronic private prescriptions. Please contact our pharmacy team to discuss the next steps and to confirm how your prescription should be provided.
For any questions about getting your private prescription dispensed, please contact the pharmacy and we will be happy to guide you through the process.
