| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC) was introduced in April 2023 specifically to reduce the cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy for women in England. At just £19.80 per year — equivalent to two single prescription charges — it provides 12 months of unlimited eligible HRT prescriptions. The NHS BSA identified 616,000 HRT PPC holders in 2024-25, saving an estimated £33.4 million on HRT prescription costs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Key Facts HRT PPC cost 2026-27: £19.80 for 12 months | Saves money if: you collect 3+ HRT items per year | Per-item charge: £9.90 | Applies: England only | Apply at: nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
HRT PPC Savings: Real-World Examples | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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HRT PPC vs Standard PPC: Which Is Cheaper? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How to Apply for an HRT PPC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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What the HRT PPC Covers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The HRT PPC covers most HRT medicines licensed to treat menopause in the UK — including estrogen patches (e.g. Evorel, Estraderm), estrogen gels (e.g. Oestrogel, Sandrena), estrogen tablets (e.g. Elleste Solo, Zumenon), combined patches (e.g. Evorel Conti, Evorel Sequi), progesterone (e.g. Utrogestan), vaginal estrogen (e.g. Vagifem, Estriol cream), and nasal estrogen spray (Aerodiol). The medicines list is updated periodically by NHSBSA — check nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc for the current list. Testosterone preparations are NOT currently covered. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 💡 Already paid for HRT prescriptions? If you paid for eligible HRT prescriptions in the last 3 months without an HRT PPC, ask your pharmacist for an FP57 receipt form. You can then apply for a backdated HRT PPC and claim a refund for those charges — saving you money retrospectively. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
HRT is Free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The HRT PPC only applies in England. If you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, all NHS prescriptions — including HRT — are completely free of charge. No certificate is needed. If you have recently moved to England from another UK nation, you will need to start paying prescription charges and may benefit from an HRT PPC. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the HRT prescription prepayment certificate? The HRT PPC (Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate) is a special NHS certificate costing £19.80 for 12 months that covers unlimited eligible HRT prescriptions — equivalent to the cost of just two standard prescription charges. It is available to anyone in England who pays for NHS HRT prescriptions and saves money if you need 3 or more HRT prescription items in a year. How much does the HRT certificate cost in 2026? The HRT PPC costs £19.80 for 12 months in 2026-27 — the same price as two single NHS prescription charges (2 × £9.90). This price has been frozen from 2025-26. You pay once and receive unlimited eligible HRT prescriptions for the full 12 months. Is my HRT medicine covered by the HRT PPC? The HRT PPC covers most HRT medicines licensed to treat menopause in the UK — including estrogen patches, gels, tablets, pessaries, and progesterone. Testosterone preparations are not covered. The medicines list was last updated on 10 March 2026. Check the full list at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc before buying to confirm your specific medicine is included. Who can get an HRT certificate? Anyone in England who pays for NHS HRT prescriptions can apply for an HRT PPC, provided their HRT medicine is on the covered list. You do not need a GP referral or special eligibility — if you pay for your HRT prescriptions and your medicine is covered, you can buy an HRT PPC directly from nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc. Should I get an HRT PPC or a standard PPC? Get an HRT PPC if: you only take HRT medicines on the covered list and collect 3+ items per year. Get a standard 12-month PPC if: you also take regular non-HRT prescriptions (12+ items per year total). Get both if the maths works out — for example, if you collect 3 HRT items and 4 non-HRT items per quarter, an HRT PPC (£19.80) plus paying for the 4 non-HRT items individually may be cheaper than a 3-month standard PPC (£32.05). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Disclaimer: Prices and rules change — always verify with NHSBSA, GOV.UK, HMRC, and Companies House. Sources: nhs.uk, nhsbsa.nhs.uk, gov.uk, cpe.org.uk, Pharmaceutical Journal, Community Pharmacy England, myiva.co, DS Burge. April 2026. |
HRT Certificate UK 2026: £19.80 PPC That Saves Hundreds on HRT
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