Are prescriptions free in Scotland?

For people living in Scotland.

Applies to: Scotland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Yes. Prescription charges were abolished in Scotland from 1 April 2011, so you don't pay for NHS prescriptions in Scotland.

A Scottish prescription taken to a pharmacy in Scotland is free.
An English prescription taken to a Scottish pharmacy is free if you show a valid Entitlement Card with it, or qualify for an exemption.
If you live in Scotland but are registered with a GP in England, you can get an Entitlement Card as evidence that you're eligible.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Wales: Check gov.wales for Wales
Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Free since 1 April 2011
Scottish prescriptions free at Scottish pharmacies
Entitlement Card for English GP patients

Who pays and who does not

Scotland ended prescription charges on 1 April 2011. What you pay now depends on where your prescription was written and where you collect it.

Your prescription	Where you collect it	Do you pay?
Scottish	A pharmacy in Scotland	No
English, and you have an Entitlement Card	A pharmacy in Scotland	No
English, no Entitlement Card	A pharmacy in Scotland	Yes, unless you qualify for an exemption
Scottish	A pharmacy in Wales or Northern Ireland	No
Scottish	A pharmacy in England	Yes, unless you qualify for an English exemption

In England the charge is £9.90 per item. So if you take a prescription to an English pharmacy, check first whether you will be asked to pay.

The Entitlement Card

This is for people who live in Scotland but are registered with a GP practice in England. That can happen if you live near the border.

Without the card, an English prescription collected in Scotland can be charged. With the card, it is free.

How to get one:

Phone NHS National Services Scotland, Practitioner Services, on 0141 300 1300.
Ask for an Entitlement Card application form.
Fill it in and send it back. The card is free.
Show the card at the pharmacy each time you collect a prescription.

Exemptions for English prescriptions in Scotland

If you take an English prescription to a Scottish pharmacy and do not have an Entitlement Card, you may still not have to pay. The Scottish rules list groups who are exempt, including:

children under 16
young people under 19 in full-time education
people aged 60 or over
people who are pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months, if they have a valid maternity exemption certificate
people with certain long-term conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy, if they have a valid medical exemption certificate
people with a valid English or Welsh exemption certificate, or a valid English prepayment certificate

The list also includes some armed forces veterans who hold a valid exemption certificate for an accepted disablement.

Other help with health costs in Scotland

Free prescriptions are just one part of help with health costs. NHS eye examinations are free in Scotland. Help with dental treatment and glasses depends on things like your age, benefits and income. Ask your dentist or optician what applies to you.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Read the Scottish Government guide

Common questions

What if my GP is in England?

You can get an Entitlement Card to show you are eligible for free prescriptions in Scotland.

Source: The National Health Service (Free Prescriptions and Charges for Drugs and Appliances) (Scotland) Regulations 2011

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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