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Private prescriptions vs. NHS prescriptions: what's the difference?

The main difference between private prescriptions and NHS prescriptions is that private prescriptions are paid for by the patient, but NHS prescriptions are subsidised by the government.

Private prescriptions are issued by doctors and medical staff who operate outside of the NHS in private clinics. Patients tend to opt for private doctors to speed up waiting times or when a medication they need isn’t available on the NHS.

Like NHS prescriptions, private prescriptions are available electronically, making the prescription process more efficient, safer and more convenient.

For private practices looking to introduce e-prescriptions, Healistic's software for private clinics is the easiest way for private doctors in the UK to prescribe medication, allowing them to e-prescribe in seconds. It's free to use, fully compliant and stress-free.

How are NHS Prescriptions Different from Private Prescriptions?

Here are all the differences between private prescriptions and NHS prescriptions.

NHS Prescriptions

NHS-subsidised:

For NHS prescriptions, part of the cost is subsidised by the NHS.

Fixed charge:

Patients will pay a fixed prescription charge per item which varies depending on the medication. The NHS website lists the different charges.

Free NHS prescriptions:

Certain individuals or medical conditions are exempt from payment and qualify for free NHS prescriptions. This includes those aged 60 or over, under 16s, and those aged 16-18 in full-time education.

Additionally, individuals with specific medical conditions can claim free prescriptions and those on certain benefits like those claiming Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance or Income-based Jobseeker’s allowance.

Those who are currently pregnant or have had a baby in the past 12 months can get a maternity exemption certificate for free prescriptions.

Only issued by NHS prescribers:

NHS prescriptions can only ever be issued by healthcare professionals working for the NHS.

Available at any UK pharmacy:

Patients can take their NHS prescriptions into any pharmacy for dispensing but may have waiting times depending on stock availability.

Private Prescriptions

Paid for by the patient:

Patients assume the full cost of the medication issued by private prescription.

Different prices per pharmacy:

The price of the same medication can vary between pharmacies. Patients should compare and contrast. Or, if the private prescription is issued by a clinic using e-prescription software like Healistic, the patient will benefit from competitive medication prices.

Can be issued by non-NHS prescribers:

Private prescriptions can be issued by a range of healthcare practitioners working outside the NHS including GPs, psychiatrists, women’s health providers, dermatologists, sexual health and wellness practitioners, cosmetic doctors, digital-first clinics and more.

Any type of medication:

One of the reasons people opt for private prescriptions is that they can get medications that are both widely available on the NHS or those not routinely available.

Dispensed at any UK pharmacy:

Patients can get their medication dispensed at any pharmacy.

Specialist prescriptions:

Sometimes people need to get private prescriptions when their treatment, vaccines or medication is not available on the NHS.

Are Private Prescriptions Available Electronically?

Yes! Much like the electronic prescription services of the NHS, private prescriptions can also be issued electronically. Within the NHS, e-prescriptions represent 95% or all primary medical prescriptions and private practice is following suit.

With many private practices now choosing to work with e-prescription software, they are making their clinics more efficient and secure and offering an enhanced experience for patients.

Thanks to private e-prescriptions, medication practitioners can transmit a prescription directly to the pharmacy in a matter of seconds.

Do Private Prescriptions Cost More in the UK?

Not always. Depending on the NHS prescription charge (the fixed charge per item), some private prescriptions cost less than on the NHS.

As NHS prescriptions are subsidised by the government, they will only pay a fixed cost per item. However, it is always worth checking the NHS site to see how much your medication will cost - sometimes the cost for a private prescription of the same item is cheaper.

Some individuals are exempt from the NHS prescription charge meaning that going through the NHS, their prescriptions are totally free. This is not the case for private prescriptions.

Do Private Prescriptions Go on the NHS Record?

No, private prescriptions will not automatically appear on your NHS record. If you see a private healthcare professional and they issue you a prescription, this will be a private prescription.

They are managed separately from NHS prescriptions. Your NHS GP will usually be unable to transfer a private prescription onto an NHS one.

How Much is the Cost of an NHS Prescription?

Unless you are entitled to free prescriptions with the NHS, the fixed cost for NHS medicines is £9.90. This is the charge per item of the prescription - not per prescription.

So, for example, if your prescription has 3 different items, you will pay £29.70 (3 lots of £9.90).

Certain medications are always free - regardless of whether or not the patient is exempt from paying - including medicines for hospital inpatients and contraception.

What is the Charge for a Private Prescription?

There is a great deal of variation when it comes to the price of a private prescription in the UK and there are a few different costs to take into account:

Medication fee - the overall cost will include the cost of the medicine itself. This can vary widely and it should be noted that branded drugs are often significantly more expensive than the generic version of the same drug.

Dispensing fee - pharmacies charge a dispensing fee which covers their cost. This may vary between pharmacies.

Consultation fee - for people needing to see a private consultant before getting a prescription, they will most likely need to pay for that service. Prices will vary depending on the type and duration of the consultation.

Delivery cost - if choosing to get the medication delivered straight to them, rather than to a pharmacy, patients may opt to pay an additional delivery cost.

How Long Does a Private Prescription Last in the UK?

Private prescriptions are valid for 6 months from the date that it was prescribed and can be fulfilled at any time within those 6 months.

For repeat refills on your private prescriptions, these are valid indefinitely if the first repeat is delivered within 6 months from the date on the initial prescription.

How Can Patients Get Cheaper Private Prescriptions?

With the rise of e-prescriptions, fulfilling prescriptions is becoming easier, quicker and even cheaper for patients. Private clinics that work with e-prescription platform Healistic partner with a network of pharmacies across the UK.

This not only offers optimisation of stock for minimum waiting times, it also means that patients benefit from the most competitive prices for their required medication.