Free prescriptions in Wales

Since 1 April 2007 your prescription medicine has been provided free, as part of your treatment.

Where you previously bought non-prescription medication, over-the-counter without the need to see your GP, you should continue to do so in the normal way.

Remember your GP is one of a number of frontline clinical experts now able to prescribe medication. Other frontline clinical experts include dentists; pharmacists; and nurses.

All prescribers decide on clinical grounds what a patient needs on prescription to help improve their health.

Who is entitled to free prescriptions?

• All patients registered with a Welsh GP, who get their prescriptions from a pharmacist in Wales, are entitled to free prescriptions.
• Welsh patients who have an English GP and who get their prescriptions from a pharmacist in Wales are entitled to free prescriptions. They need to present their prescription with an accompanying entitlement card.
• Since October 2009 Welsh patients who are treated at hospitals or out of hours services in England and are charged for prescriptions at the English rate are able to get a refund.  

Free prescriptions particularly benefit those people on modest incomes or who have chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer. Research showed that many people were deterred from taking regular medication that would help them live healthier lives, because of the cost of paying for regular prescriptions.

Free prescriptions benefit everyone in Wales. The policy promotes the benefits of good health, supports self care and underlines the commitment to provide the best possible access to healthcare for the people of Wales. The Welsh Government is committed to maintaining them.