When you claim a refund of a PPC, the amount you'll receive depends on the number of full months left before your PPC expires and the type of exemption you hold.
We also take into account when your entitlement to free NHS prescriptions started.
All refunds must be claimed within 3 months.
Full refund
You can claim a full refund if you become entitled to free NHS prescriptions on or before the date your PPC started.
Partial refund
You can claim a partial refund if you become entitled to free NHS prescriptions:
- during the first month of a 3 month PPC
- before the final month of a 12 month PPC
No refund
You cannot claim a refund if you become entitled to free NHS prescriptions:
- after the first month of a 3 month PPC
- during the final month of a 12 month PPC
Medical or Maternity Exemption Certificate refunds
If you hold a medical or maternity exemption certificate that was processed after 23 June 2025 your refund will be processed automatically.
Full refund
You’ll receive a full refund if your exemption certificate was valid either before the date your PPC started, or in the first month of your PPC.
Partial refund
You’ll receive a partial refund if your exemption starts either:
- during the second month of a 3 monthPPC
- before the final month of a 12 month PPC
No refund
You will not receive a refund if your exemption starts either:
- in the third month of 3 month PPC
- during the final month of a 12 month PPC