The Student Room Group

Is the pill free on the nhs prescriptions?

I was just wondering if the pill free on the nhs prescriptions?

I'm 19 and out of full time education (because this is the summer holiday), would I need to pay for this? what about other medications?

I know people who are 16, 17 and 18 years old and who are in full time education can get free medication on the nhs. What about those who are over that age, and in full time education at University?
It's free for everyone.
Reply 2
All contraception is free on the NHS.

For other prescriptions, if you're on a low income you can fill in an HC1/2 (I can't remember) form which may give you money off, but once you're over 18, being in full time education alone is not enough to get you free ones; you need that form.
HC1 form to get a HC2 certificate!
But yeah if you're getting the pill for contraception it's free. Technically I think your GP is supposed to put something on the script to identify this ... but I've never seen one with one on and I've seen loads ...
Reply 4
-Emmz-
HC1 form to get a HC2 certificate!
But yeah if you're getting the pill for contraception it's free. Technically I think your GP is supposed to put something on the script to identify this ... but I've never seen one with one on and I've seen loads ...


There's a box you have to tick on the back, I think?
Reply 5
Helenia
There's a box you have to tick on the back, I think?

Yeh on the back of the prescription you tick the box that says 'Under 19 and in Full-time education' :wink:
Reply 6
darryladie
Yeh on the back of the prescription you tick the box that says 'Under 19 and in Full-time education' :wink:

Or "was prescribed free of charge contraceptives" even
Reply 7
darryladie
Yeh on the back of the prescription you tick the box that says 'Under 19 and in Full-time education' :wink:


That doesn't work when the front of the prescription says your age :rolleyes:

And as Juno says, you just tick the "free of charge contraception" box.
Helenia
There's a box you have to tick on the back, I think?


Yeah but I meant the doctor is actually meant to put something on the front of the prescription, I think it might be the o-+ female sign ... but like I said before I've never seen a script with one on and we never question anyone if they tick that box and likewise nobody has ever questioned me (although all prescription items in wales are free for under 25s anyways)
Reply 9
i dont think there is any sign or symbol, the pharmcy staff just know which are contraceptives from the names and never ask for the prescription charge.
Glory
i dont think there is any sign or symbol, the pharmcy staff just know which are contraceptives from the names and never ask for the prescription charge.


What I meant was that you can be prescribed the pill for reasons other than contraception. In theory if you're receiving the pill for one of these reasons you should pay the prescription charge unless you fall into one of the other categories that exempt you from paying.
Actually I'm talking rubbish :p: it's things that are being used for contraceptive purposes that aren't on the list in the drug tariff that have to be endorsed with a special symbol ... I thought it was strange I'd never seen a pill script with it on ... *ha ha* I'm such a rem!
thanks for your replies. from what i've read from here, if i
the pill is for contraceptive purposes, then i wouldnt need to pay for it.

would it matter if i chose to have the combine pill over the progestogen-only pill?
Reply 13
yeahyeahyeahs
thanks for your replies. from what i've read from here, if i
the pill is for contraceptive purposes, then i wouldnt need to pay for it.

would it matter if i chose to have the combine pill over the progestogen-only pill?


No, they're both free.
Reply 14
Emmz...youre thinking of dianette (and a couple of other less popular pills) which some people take for the skin and therefore should pay for. The doctor has to put o.c. (oral contraceptive) or a female symbol to ensure the patient gets it free.
Reply 15
SO NOT FAIR THAT PEOPLE IN WALES GET PRESCRIPTIONS FREE UNTIL THEY'RE 25...hmph
yeahyeahyeahs
I was just wondering if the pill free on the nhs prescriptions?

I'm 19 and out of full time education (because this is the summer holiday), would I need to pay for this? what about other medications?

I know people who are 16, 17 and 18 years old and who are in full time education can get free medication on the nhs. What about those who are over that age, and in full time education at University?

How appropriate that the answer to your question is your username. :smile:
babynessontoast
SO NOT FAIR THAT PEOPLE IN WALES GET PRESCRIPTIONS FREE UNTIL THEY'RE 25...hmph


Plus if you do have to pay for your prescriptions it's only £3 per item vs £6.65 in England. They're looking at abolishing it completely.