Private Prescriptions in the UK: Your Complete Guide to Getting Medication Quickly

You've just had a video consultation with a private GP. They've diagnosed your condition and recommended medication. But then comes the confusion: "I'll issue you a private prescription." Wait—what's the difference between a private and NHS prescription? How much will it cost? Where can you get it filled? And why might you actually save money going private?

With NHS prescription charges frozen at £9.90 per item in 2025 and many medications costing less than this, understanding private prescriptions has never been more important. Here's your complete guide to navigating the world of private prescriptions in the UK.

NHS vs Private Prescriptions: Understanding the Difference

NHS Prescriptions:

• Issued by NHS GPs, hospitals, or NHS-contracted services

• Fixed charge of £9.90 per item (England only)

• Free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

• Free for certain groups (under 16, over 60, pregnant, etc.)

• Limited to NHS-approved medications

• Subsidised by the government

Private Prescriptions:

• Issued by any UK-registered doctor

• You pay the full cost of medication

• Available from any pharmacy

• Can include medications not on NHS formulary

• No waiting for NHS appointments

• Often issued same day

The key difference? With NHS prescriptions, the government subsidises the actual medication cost. With private prescriptions, you pay the true price—which can be surprisingly affordable.

When You Might Need a Private Prescription

1. Speed and Convenience Can't get an NHS GP appointment for weeks? Private GPs can see you today and issue prescriptions immediately.

2. Travel and Work Requirements

• Malaria prophylaxis for trips

• Altitude sickness medication

• Travel vaccines not covered by NHS

• Medications for work abroad

3. Lifestyle Medications Many medications aren't available on the NHS:

• Hair loss treatments (finasteride for cosmetic use)

• Weight loss medications (not meeting NHS criteria)

• Erectile dysfunction medication (limited NHS availability)

• Anti-aging treatments

4. Specialist Medications

• Newer treatments not yet NHS-approved

• Branded versions when NHS only offers generic

• Specific formulations or doses

• Medications requiring private specialist oversight

5. Continuity of Care

• Lost prescription while travelling

• Run out of regular medication

• Moving between NHS practices

• Temporary UK residents

The Real Cost of Private Prescriptions

Here's what surprises most people: private prescriptions can actually be cheaper than NHS ones. Let me explain with real examples:

Example 1: Simple Antibiotic

• Amoxicillin (7-day course)

• NHS prescription cost: £9.90

• Private prescription actual cost: £5-£8

• You save: £2-£5

Example 2: Hayfever Medication

• Cetirizine 30 tablets

• NHS prescription cost: £9.90

• Private prescription cost: £2-£4

• Over-the-counter cost: £2-£4

• You save: £6-£8

Example 3: Pain Relief

• Naproxen 28 tablets

• NHS prescription cost: £9.90

• Private prescription cost: £4-£6

• You save: £4-£6

However, some medications are more expensive privately:

Example 4: Chronic Condition Medication

• Insulin or complex medications

• NHS prescription cost: £9.90

• Private prescription cost: £50-£200+

• NHS saves you: £40-£190+

How to Get a Private Prescription Online

Step 1: Book Your Consultation

• Contact The Online GP via WhatsApp: +44 7399323620

• Choose video consultation (£120) or phone consultation (£60)

• Available same day, including evenings and weekends

Step 2: Medical Assessment

• Discuss symptoms with UK-registered GP

• Provide medical history

• GP determines appropriate treatment

• Prescription issued if clinically appropriate

Step 3: Receive Your Prescription

• Sent electronically (email/WhatsApp)

• Valid at any UK pharmacy

• Can forward to online pharmacies

• Keep copy for your records

Step 4: Get Medication

• Take to any high street pharmacy

• Or use online pharmacy services

• Compare prices between pharmacies

• Collect same day or get delivered

Where to Fill Private Prescriptions

High Street Pharmacies:

• Boots, Lloyds, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda

• Independent local pharmacies

• Can price-check by calling ahead

• Usually ready within 30 minutes

Online Pharmacies:

• Often cheaper than high street

• Home delivery options

• Compare prices easily

• May offer subscription services

Tips for Best Prices:

• Call multiple pharmacies for quotes

• Ask about generic alternatives

• Consider online pharmacies for non-urgent needs

• Buy larger quantities if regularly needed (check expiry dates)

Understanding Private Prescription Costs

Your total cost includes:

1. Consultation Fee

• The Online GP: £120 (video) or £60 (phone)

• Includes assessment and prescription

• No hidden extras

2. Pharmacy Dispensing Fee

• Usually £0-£5

• Some pharmacies waive this

• Online often cheaper

3. Medication Cost

• Varies widely by drug

• Generic usually much cheaper

• Can request price before dispensing

4. Delivery (if applicable)

• £3-£10 for online pharmacies

• Free over certain amounts

• Next day options available

Generic vs Branded: Saving Money

One of the biggest ways to save on private prescriptions is choosing generic medications:

Branded: Viagra (sildenafil) 4 tablets

• Cost: £35-£50

Generic: Sildenafil 4 tablets

• Cost: £5-£15

• Same active ingredient

• Same effectiveness

• Saves: £20-£35

Always ask your prescribing doctor: "Is there a generic version available?"

Common Medications: Private Prescription Costs

Here's what you can expect to pay privately for common medications:

Antibiotics:

• Amoxicillin: £5-£8

• Doxycycline: £6-£10

• Flucloxacillin: £6-£9

Pain Relief:

• Codeine phosphate: £8-£15

• Naproxen: £4-£6

• Diclofenac gel: £4-£7

Skin Conditions:

• Hydrocortisone cream: £3-£5

• Betnovate: £5-£8

• Fucidin cream: £6-£10

Mental Health:

• Sertraline: £5-£10

• Propranolol: £4-£7

• Zopiclone: £10-£20

Lifestyle:

• Sildenafil (generic Viagra): £1-£3 per tablet

• Finasteride: £20-£30 per month

• Weight loss injections: £150-£300 per month

Special Considerations

Controlled Drugs Some medications have special rules:

• Strong painkillers (opioids)

• ADHD medications

• Sleeping tablets

• Require special prescription forms

• May need ID at pharmacy

Validity Periods

• Most prescriptions: Valid for 6 months

• Controlled drugs: Valid for 28 days only

• Best to fill promptly

Travelling with Private Prescriptions

• Keep copy of prescription

• Carry medications in original packaging

• Letter from prescribing doctor helpful

• Check destination country rules

Is Private Right for You?

Private Prescriptions Work Well For:

• One-off infections or conditions

• When you need treatment quickly

• Medications not available on NHS

• When medication costs less than £9.90

• Travel or lifestyle medications

Stick with NHS For:

• Long-term conditions

• Expensive medications

• If you qualify for free prescriptions

• Complex treatments requiring monitoring

Maximising Value from Private Healthcare

1. Use Prescription Wisely

• Get appropriate quantities

• Don't over-order

• Check expiry dates

• Store medications properly

2. Build Relationships

• Find a trusted private GP

• Use same pharmacy regularly

• They may offer better prices to regulars

3. Plan Ahead

• Book consultations before completely running out

• Consider larger supplies for regular medications

• Factor in delivery times

4. Know Your Rights

• Private prescriptions are valid anywhere in UK

• You can price check without obligation

• Pharmacists must offer generic if available

• You can take prescription elsewhere if price too high

Common Questions Answered

"Can my NHS GP give me a private prescription?" Yes, but only for medications not available on NHS or if you specifically request private (and they agree it's appropriate).

"Are private prescriptions safe?" Absolutely. The same regulations apply. All prescribing doctors must be GMC registered, and all pharmacies must be GPhC registered.

"Can I claim on insurance?" Many private health insurance policies cover private prescriptions. Check your policy and keep receipts.

"What if I can't afford my medication?" Discuss with your GP—there may be cheaper alternatives. Never skip doses or stop treatment without medical advice.

The Bottom Line

Private prescriptions aren't just for the wealthy—they're a practical solution for anyone needing quick access to medication. With many common medications costing less than the NHS prescription charge, going private can save both time and money.

The key is understanding when private makes sense for your situation. For one-off treatments, urgent needs, or medications costing under £9.90, private prescriptions offer speed, convenience, and often better value. For long-term expensive medications, the NHS remains the best option for most people.

Remember: healthcare isn't one-size-fits-all. Having options—NHS and private—means you can choose what works best for your health and circumstances.

Need a prescription quickly? The Online GP provides same-day consultations with experienced UK doctors. Video consultations (£120-180) or phone consultations (£60) available 7 days a week. WhatsApp +44 7399323620 to book. Prescriptions issued same day when clinically appropriate.