Understanding Dutch Prescriptions and Pharmacies for Expats

How Prescriptions Are Issued in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, most prescription-only medications require a prescription from a registered Dutch doctor – typically your General Practitioner (GP) or a specialist.

• Electronic Prescriptions: This is the standard method. Your GP or specialist will send your prescription electronically directly to your registered pharmacy ('apotheek'). This means you usually don't receive a physical piece of paper.
• Verbal Prescriptions: In urgent cases, a doctor might phone the pharmacy directly.
• No Self-Referral: You cannot just walk into a pharmacy and request prescription medication without a doctor's order.

Picking Up Your Medication

Once your doctor has sent the prescription to your registered pharmacy:

• Wait for Confirmation: Many pharmacies send a text message or email when your prescription is ready for collection. This could be within a few hours for acute needs, or a day or two for routine refills.
• What to Bring: Always bring your ID (passport/ID card) and your Dutch health insurance card. The pharmacist will use this to verify your identity and process the insurance claim.
• Pharmacist's Role: The pharmacist will provide instructions on how to take your medication, explain potential side effects, and answer any questions. Don't hesitate to ask; most Dutch pharmacists speak English.

Repeat Prescriptions and Generics

Repeat Prescriptions:

For long-term medications, your GP will typically issue repeat prescriptions. You can usually order these through:

• Your GP practice's online portal or app.
• A dedicated phone line at your GP practice.
• Sometimes, directly through your registered pharmacy.

Order repeat prescriptions a few days in advance to ensure you don't run out.

Generic Medications:

The Dutch system strongly favors generic versions of medications. These are bioequivalent to brand-name drugs but are often much cheaper. Don't be alarmed if your medication looks different from what you received in your home country; it's likely the generic equivalent.

Foreign Prescriptions and Costs

Invalidity of Foreign Prescriptions: Prescriptions from doctors outside the Netherlands are generally not valid at Dutch pharmacies. If you need medication prescribed abroad, you must consult a Dutch GP or specialist who can then issue a local prescription if they deem it appropriate. Bring all relevant medical documents and medication details.

Costs and Insurance Coverage:

Most prescription medications are covered by your basic Dutch health insurance ('basisverzekering'). However, the costs of these medications do count towards your mandatory 'eigen risico' (deductible), which is €385 in 2025.

You will pay the costs out-of-pocket until your annual 'eigen risico' is met. After that, your insurance covers the remaining costs for the year. Over-the-counter medications are not covered by insurance.

Emergency Pharmacy Services ('Spoedapotheek')

Outside regular opening hours, for urgent medication needs, there are 'spoedapotheken' (emergency pharmacies) or an on-call service. Your regular pharmacy's answering machine or website will provide details for the nearest available service.