A headline medicine price rarely describes the full cost of a private online service. A comparable total includes assessment, prescribing, dispensing, delivery and any follow-up charges. NHS prescription charging rules differ from private fees and vary by nation.
Last updated: September 2026
Build a like-for-like cost record
Record the date and region for each quote. Note whether a consultation fee is refundable if no prescription is issued, whether a repeat review costs extra, and whether delivery is included. For private services, compare the same type of service, not a consultation-only quote against a medicine-plus-delivery total.
Avoid treating a starting price as a current offer. Fees and availability can change, and a clinical decision may change the service or remove the need for supply altogether. Publish numerical prices only with a dated source and a consistent calculation.
Questions to record
- Nation and NHS or private charging basis, including any exemption assumption.
- Consultation, follow-up, medicine, dispensing and delivery fees item by item.
- Refund or cancellation terms if the consultation ends without a prescription.
Service routes to consider
These are service models, not ranked providers or purchase offers. Check the responsible organisation and current terms independently.
NHS pathway and charges
Record the applicable NHS prescription charge or exemption position for the patient and nation; the rules vary.
Private consultation
Check whether the assessment fee is charged if no prescription is issued and whether follow-up costs extra.
Dispensing and delivery
Add medicine, dispensing and delivery charges only where they apply to the same route and quantity.
Questions to ask
Service: What is included in the quoted price, and on what date was it checked?
Safety: A low fee does not establish clinical suitability; ask who assesses and follows up.
Fees: Compare like-for-like totals with the same route, quantity, delivery method and eligibility assumptions.
For related steps, see UK Online Pharmacy Services: What to Compare and UK Prescription Delivery and Requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Are NHS and private prices directly comparable?
No. The entitlement, charging model and included services differ.
What if the clinician does not prescribe?
Check the provider’s assessment-fee and refund terms before booking.
Should I compare a consultation price with a delivered medicine total?
No. Itemise each stage and compare only equivalent routes and included services.
Can the final amount differ from an advertised starting price?
Yes. Assessment outcomes, quantity, stock and delivery choice may change the total; confirm before paying.
Use the official registers and compare service terms before making a decision.
Related UK guides
Reviewed by: Mattias Hagman, PhD
Last reviewed: September 2026
Editorial note: This guide presents comparison criteria and does not endorse or rank providers. Service terms can change.
Medical note: This is general information, not personal medical advice. Discuss treatment decisions with an appropriately qualified clinician.
Affiliate disclosure: No affiliate links are active in this UK guide. If introduced later, commercial relationships will be disclosed and editorial criteria retained.