Pharmacies and prescriptions in Spain
Are there pharmacies in Spain? Yes, there are plenty! If you’re on holiday in Spain, it’s important to be aware that you may need to acquire some medication (with or without a prescription depending on the type) or specific products during your stay.
In addition to dispensing medications, pharmacies in Spain offer a variety of other useful services for tourists. These services include blood pressure monitoring, glucose or cholesterol testing, selling personal care products and sunscreen, as well as providing over-the-counter medications.
How can I find a pharmacy and what are their opening hours?
Pharmacies can be found in almost every town in Spain as well as in all neighbourhoods of larger cities. The illuminated green crosses are a common sight, indicating that a pharmacy is nearby. As for their opening hours, these can vary. Typically, pharmacies are open from Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, and on Saturday mornings. If you’re visiting during a holiday, keep in mind that hours may change, so it’s advisable to check in advance to see if the pharmacy will be open.
What if you need something outside regular hours, on a Sunday, or even on a public holiday? You can use a search engine to locate 24-hour pharmacies or pharmacies on call, which are often posted on the doors of larger pharmacies. However, be cautious in rural areas where pharmacy availability may be limited due to large distances or restricted opening hours.
Can I bring medications into Spain? Do I need to carry a prescription?
It’s important to be aware that there are restrictions on bringing certain products into and out of Spain. When it comes to medications, you can only bring those that are necessary, and they should be accompanied by a copy of the medical prescription or medical report.
To avoid issues with Spanish customs, it’s vital to carry a medical prescription or report that justifies the treatment with the medications you are transporting. This will help ensure a smooth entry and access to your treatment while in Spain.
What types of medications require a prescription?
In Spain, pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter medications for common ailments. Products that can be purchased without a prescription include ibuprofen, paracetamol, certain allergy medications, contraceptive pills, and condoms. However, stronger painkillers and antibiotics, among others, do require a prescription.
What if the medication is not over-the-counter?
To obtain a prescription in Spain, tourists can visit a private doctor or go to the emergency services at a public hospital. Once you have the prescription, you can purchase the necessary medications at any pharmacy.
One potential drawback is that due to high demand, especially during holidays, you might have to wait longer than expected for assistance.
Are prescriptions covered by Spanish private or public healthcare?
Generally, no. Medical prescriptions are usually not covered by public or private healthcare, although the government subsidises costs for many prescription medications by up to 70% and strictly regulates their prices. Additionally, requesting a prescription medication is typically cheaper than buying the same medication over-the-counter.
If you have private insurance, check its general conditions.
How to obtain a prescription in Spain?
In general terms, to obtain a prescription in Spain, your doctor will provide you with a document bearing their signature and licence number. This will include a barcode with relevant information about the prescription and possible usage instructions. If you have a health card with a chip, the doctor can load the prescription onto the card for it to be scanned by the pharmacist when you purchase your medication.
It’s important to remember that collecting medication from the pharmacy may involve some associated costs. Additionally, pharmacies can order special medications, such as allergy vaccines, which can be collected once they are ready. In most cases, they can also request any product they don’t have in stock and receive it within 36 hours.
I need a prescription quickly with professional attention
When looking for medication in Spain, you may find that delays and bureaucracy can waste more time than necessary. This is especially frustrating if you have a mild condition like gastroenteritis, a migraine, or sunburn that could be treated by a professional who can provide a prescription for the pharmacy.
An effective solution would be to use Wosler’s service, which specialises in medical digital care for mild but common cases. This way, you can access a professional who can diagnose your condition, provide necessary recommendations, and issue a prescription if needed.
How does it work?
- Access our assistance system via WhatsApp.
- Once connected, wait for the professional’s communication.
- Receive assistance from the doctor, along with instructions and prescriptions.
- The prescription will be accompanied by further guidance and recommendations.
- Head to the nearest pharmacy to collect your medications.
Most importantly, you’ll avoid long waits, and if you need medication for your treatment, you’ll receive clear instructions for responsible purchasing and use: Wosler is here to help!
