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.