Please Note – The link to ‘Buy a pre-payment certificate’ has now changed. Please amend your bookmark if required.
Applying For A Pre-Payment Certificate
If you are resident in England, there are four ways to apply for a pre-payment certificate.
On-line using our secure web application form
This is the quickest and most popular way to buy a pre-payment certificate
Note: Our on-line PPC application requires a browser that supports 128-bit encryption. If your browser does not support 128-bit encryption, please visit the website that provides upgrades to your browser software.
Postal Applications
To apply by post, complete the pre-payment certificate application form FP95, available from pharmacies and doctors surgeries. You can also download an FP95 application form in portable document format.
When you have completed and signed the form, send it with your cheque, postal order or credit or debit card details to:
NHS Help with Health Costs
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE99 2DE
We aim to process postal applications within 3 working days of receiving the form.
Your pre-payment certificate will start from the date we receive your postal application unless you ask for a different start date. This can be up to one month earlier or later than the date we receive your postal application.
Over the Telephone
To apply for a pre-payment certificate over the phone, just call the pre-payment certificate order line. The lo-call rate number for this service is 0845 850 0030.
Please have your:
- debit or credit card details ready if you want to pay in full; or
- your bank or building society account details ready if you want to pay for a 12-month PPC by 10 monthly Direct Debit instalments.
Your PPC will start from the date we receive your phone call unless you ask for a different start date. This can be up to one month earlier or later than the date of your phone call.
From a Pharmacy Registered to Sell Pre-Payment Certificates
To purchase a pre-payment certificate at a registered pharmacy you must either:
- complete a pre-payment certificate application form FP95, available from the registered pharmacy and pay the pharmacy the relevant fee for your pre-payment certificate, £29.10 for a 3-month pre-payment certificate and £104.00 for a 12-month pre-payment certificate
- The pharmacy will forward your details to us, and you will normally receive your certificate within 7 days of us receiving your application.
Note: The option to pay for a 12-month pre-payment certificate by 10 monthly Direct Debit instalments is not available within registered pharmacies.
Your PPC will start from the date you purchase your pre-payment certificate unless you ask for a different start date. This can be up to one month earlier or later than the date you buy your PPC or complete the on-line application.
To see if there is a pharmacy near you who has registered to sell pre-payment certificate please read our List of Registered Pharmacies.
People resident in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
The pre-payment certificate scheme is for people normally resident in England only. If you are resident in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you are usually entitled to free NHS prescriptions.