Free Prescriptions

Get free prescriptions at your local Unichem Pharmacy

Prescriptions are now free at your local Unichem Pharmacy. From 1^st July 2023, the Government has scrapped its $5 co-payment charge for prescriptions from approved providers.

Get your fully funded medicines free, alongside free professional health care and advice from your local Unichem.  

Free care + advice 

Your community pharmacy offers so much more than prescriptions.

Unichem Pharmacies proudly offer free professional health, wellness and beauty care and advice.

Pop in and talk to yur local Unichem Pharmacist about managing health conditions, getting the most out of your medicine and finding the right products for you.

Your local pharmacy 

With a network of more than 250 pharmacies throughout New Zealand, you’ll find the professional health, beauty and wellness care and advice you need.

We stock high-quality natural health products, over-the-counter medication and beauty essentials. We also offer a range of healthcare services, including:

• Coeliac disease testing

• Blood pressure checks

• Vaccinations

• Bowel health screening

• Medicine management

Previously, there was a $5 prescription charge (a standard patient co-payment) from the Government for many common medications and prescriptions. From 1st July 2023, the Government scrapped the $5 co-payment.

Prescriptions for children aged 13 years old or younger, or for patients with a High Usage Card were free before 1st July and will remain free. Repeats and most controlled drug scripts also have no charge.

Some prescriptions, which aren’t publicly funded or covered by the scheme, still incur prescription charges.

Prescriptions from specialists and non-funded medicines still have the $15 co-payment charge; however, if you and your family need more than 20 of these prescription items in a year, you’ll qualify for the Prescription Subsidy Scheme.

Some medications and extra services (like blister packaging) incur a charge too. If you’re not sure, ask your Unichem Pharmacist. They’re here to help you.

Yes, you'll enjoy 1 Living Reward point for every prescription item*. Terms and conditions apply.

Additionally, anything you buy alongside your free prescription may be eligible, which means you’ll enjoy one point for every $1 you spend with Living Rewards !

Free Prescriptions Terms & Conditions:

1. Charges relating to partially funded or unfunded medicine prescriptions may apply.

2. Prescription co-payments remain for prescriptions from unapproved prescribers (e.g., private specialists and private dentists)

3. Living Rewards Points: 

• One Living Rewards point will be allocated per prescription item on the initial prescription only.

• Living Rewards points are not available on repeat prescriptions.

To earn points members must either present their Living Rewards card or provide an email address or mobile number at time of purchase for points to be allocated to their membership profile