Pharmacy and Medical Services Abroad

Pharmacy Availability

Pharmacies (chemists, apotek, farmacia) are common in all European cities.

Opening hours: Usually 9am-7pm weekdays, shorter weekend hours.

Duty pharmacies operate after hours in rotation. Check pharmacy windows for duty lists.

Look for green cross signs marking pharmacies. These are universal across Europe, though lighting (illuminated versus static) varies by country.

Duty pharmacy lists also appear in local newspapers and municipal websites. Hotels and hostels keep these lists at reception.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol) are available without prescription.

Cold and flu remedies, antihistamines, and digestive aids are widely available.

Some medications requiring prescription in your country may be available OTC in others.

Pharmacists can recommend appropriate treatments for minor ailments.

European pharmacies stock stronger formulations OTC than American drugstores. Ibuprofen 400mg is standard versus 200mg in the US.

Pack sizes are smaller. Expect 10-20 tablets per box versus 50-100 in the US. This means lower upfront cost (€3-6) but less bulk buying.

Some items sold in supermarkets in North America (basic pain relievers, vitamins) require pharmacy visits in Europe. Don't expect to grab ibuprofen at grocery checkout.

Prescription Medications

Bring enough medication for your entire trip. Don't rely on getting refills abroad.

EU prescriptions work across member states but pharmacists may require seeing original prescriptions.

Non-EU prescriptions often aren't accepted. Doctor visits are needed for refills.

Carry prescription medications in original packaging with pharmacy labels showing your name and dosage. This helps at customs and if you need refills.

Bring prescription copies or doctor's letters for controlled substances (ADHD medication, anxiety medication, pain medication). Border officials may question these without documentation.

Antibiotic availability varies. Spain and Greece historically sold some antibiotics OTC, but EU regulations now require prescriptions. Don't expect to buy amoxicillin without seeing a doctor.

Language Barriers

Write down symptoms or medication names. Pharmacists understand written information better.

Brand names differ between countries. Use generic drug names instead.

Google Translate works for communicating symptoms and understanding instructions.

Pharmacists in tourist areas usually speak English. In smaller towns, prepare to communicate through translation apps or writing.

Point to affected body parts. Draw simple diagrams if needed. Pharmacists are skilled at understanding non-verbal communication.

Costs

Medications cost less in Europe than in the US. Basic medications are €5-15.

EU citizens with EHIC cards get local pricing (usually subsidized).

Non-EU travelers pay full price but this is still often cheaper than US prices.

Ibuprofen 400mg (20 tablets): €3-5 in most countries. Cold medicine: €6-10. Allergy tablets: €8-12 for 10-day supply.

Prescription medications vary widely. Antibiotics cost €8-20 for standard courses. Birth control pills run €10-25 per month without insurance.

When to See a Doctor

Persistent symptoms (fever over 3 days, severe pain) require medical attention.

Infections may need prescription antibiotics not available OTC.

Pharmacists can refer you to appropriate care (clinics, urgent care, hospitals).

Respiratory issues lasting beyond 5-7 days need professional assessment. European pharmacists won't provide antibiotics for chest infections without prescriptions.

Skin infections (red, swollen, warm to touch) need medical care. These worsen quickly without proper antibiotics.

Severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or unusual bleeding require emergency services immediately. Don't wait - call 112.

Finding Medical Care

Hotels and hostels can recommend English-speaking doctors.

Walk-in clinics exist in larger cities. Bring passport and insurance information.

Emergency rooms (ER, A&E, urgences) handle serious issues. Call 112 for emergencies.

Private clinics offer faster service than public hospitals. SOS Medecins in France provides house calls for €50-80. Similar services exist across Europe.

Expat forums and Facebook groups list English-speaking doctors. Search "[city name] expats" and ask for recommendations.

Travel insurance providers often have 24/7 helplines that locate appropriate care and coordinate payments.

Medical Costs

GP visits cost €50-100 for non-EU tourists without insurance.

Urgent care clinics charge €70-150 depending on treatment.

Emergency room visits cost €150-500+ depending on treatment.

Travel insurance should cover these costs. Keep receipts for claims.

Public hospital care (NHS in UK, public hospitals in Spain/Portugal) may be free or low-cost even for tourists in emergencies. Payment requirements vary.

Private hospitals charge higher fees but offer English-speaking staff and faster service. Expect €100-200 for consultations plus any procedures.

Dental emergencies run €80-150 for consultations, €100-300 for fillings, €150-400 for extractions. Dental tourism destinations (Hungary, Poland) charge less.

Common Issues

Digestive problems: Pharmacies recommend loperamide or rehydration salts.

Allergies: Antihistamines widely available.

Sunburn: After-sun products and pain relief available OTC.

Blisters: Pharmacies sell specific blister plasters that work well.

Compeed blister plasters (€4-6 for 5-pack) work better than regular bandages. These create protective cushions that let you continue walking.

Rehydration salts (ORS) for food poisoning or hangovers cost €3-5 for 10 sachets. Mix with water and drink throughout the day.

Motion sickness tablets (Dramamine, Kwells) are available OTC for €5-8. Buy before ferry or winding bus journeys.

Travel-Specific Issues

Altitude sickness in Alpine regions: Pharmacies near ski resorts stock specific remedies (€8-12). Acetazolamide requires prescription.

Insect bites in Mediterranean regions: Antihistamine creams (€6-9) reduce swelling. Tiger Balm or local equivalents provide relief.

Heat exhaustion: Sports drinks with electrolytes available at pharmacies and supermarkets (€1-3 per bottle) help faster than water alone.

Insurance and Documentation

Keep all medical receipts with treatment details for insurance claims. Many pharmacies provide itemized receipts automatically.

Take photos of receipts immediately. Thermal printer receipts fade quickly.

Document symptoms and timeline in notes app. Insurance companies require detailed claims for reimbursement.

Preventive Measures

Build basic travel medical kit before departure: pain relievers, antihistamines, digestive aids, bandages, blister plasters. This costs €20-30 and avoids language barriers during illness.

Research pharmacy locations near accommodations before arrival. Knowing nearest 24-hour pharmacy prevents stressful searches when sick.

Save insurance company emergency numbers in phone with country codes included. Standard helpline waiting times are 5-15 minutes.