Private Prescriptions: Buying Time, Not Just Meds
"Why should I pay for a prescription when I can get it for £9.65 on the NHS?"
This is the most common question we hear. And purely on the maths of the pill itself, it's a fair point. But a private prescription isn't just about the medication. It is about buying access to the medication without the hurdle of the NHS system.
You are not paying for the amoxicillin. You are paying to skip the queue.
The "Admin Tax" of NHS Prescriptions
Getting a repeat prescription or a new medication on the NHS is rarely instant.
Call surgery (wait).
Book appointment (wait 2 weeks).
See doctor.
Get slip.
Go to pharmacy.
If you need an inhaler now because your chest is tight, waiting 48 hours for a "prescription request to be processed" is stressful and dangerous.
If you have a UTI, waiting 3 days for an appointment is agonizing.
The Convenience Premium
We pay for convenience in every other area of life. We pay for Amazon Prime to get delivery tomorrow instead of next week. We pay for Ubers to arrive in 3 minutes instead of waiting 20 for a bus.
Private prescriptions are the "Prime Delivery" of healthcare.
Consultation: 10am.
Prescription: Sent electronically to your local pharmacy by 10:15am.
Collection: 10:30am.
Relief: By lunchtime.
For a busy parent, a professional, or anyone in pain, that speed is worth far more than the difference in cost.
The Cost Is Often Lower Than You Think
Many people assume private medications are astronomically expensive. While some branded drugs are pricey, common generic medications are often surprisingly cheap—sometimes even cheaper than the NHS levy.
Generic Antibiotics: Often £5-£10.
Generic Painkillers: Often £5-£12.
Inhalers: Often £8-£15.
The NHS charge is a flat tax. Private costs reflect the actual drug price. For many common acute illnesses, the drug cost is negligible.
Access to "Restricted" Medications
The NHS has strict formularies (lists of approved drugs). They often have to prescribe the cheapest option first, even if a newer, better version exists.
Private GPs have more freedom. If there is a newer medication that has fewer side effects or is more effective, but isn't "first line" on the NHS due to budget cuts, a private GP can prescribe it for you (provided it is clinically appropriate). You get access to the best treatment, not just the cheapest.
Get the medication you need without the administrative headache
Conclusion
Don't value your time at zero. If getting a prescription involves three phone calls, a day of waiting, and stress, you are "paying" a high price for a cheap drug.
Pay the fee. Get the meds. Get back to your life.