Frequently asked questions on European electronic prescription interoperability

1. When will it be available for a person entitled to public health care in Spain to obtain their medication in an EU country?

In the course of 2022, it will be possible for citizens of some Autonomous Regions to pick up their medication at a pharmacy in another European country.

2. What document will I need to present at a pharmacy in a European country to pick up medication prescribed in Spain?

You must present the individual health card of the Autonomous Region of origin. If the health card does not have a photograph, an official identification document with a photograph (ID card or passport) must be provided so you can be correctly identified.

The European Health Insurance Card is not valid for collecting medication.

3. Where can I consult the situation of the participating European countries and Spanish autonomous regions?

Information on European countries with this cross-border dispensing service, as well as the Autonomous Regions that have this service available, can be consulted at the following links:

4. In another EU country, will my pharmaceutical contribution percentage be applied to the price of the product?

Contribution percentages will not be applied; 100% of the product price will be paid. Ask for the dispensing receipt and the invoice from the pharmacy in the country to which you are travelling.

Once in Spain, apply for reimbursement in your autonomous region of origin, presenting both the dispensing receipt and the invoice.

5. In which cases can medicines prescribed in Spain be collected from a pharmacy in another European country?

Medication may only be collected outside Spain in the case of prescriptions made in the patient's Autonomous Region of origin, which is responsible for issuing the health card. Autonomous Regions integrated in European electronic prescription interoperability can be consulted at the following link: Map CCAA Spain

6. Will I be able to collect medicines on behalf of someone else, e.g. a minor?

Medicines may not be collected on behalf of another person.

The person collecting the medication must identify himself/herself with an official document (ID card, passport) with his/her photo.

7. Can all products prescribed in Spain be dispensed in a pharmacy in a European country with the operational European interoperable electronic prescription service?

The pharmacist will be able to see all prescribed products (active treatment), although only medicines may be dispensed, excluding the following: narcotics, medicines containing more than 4 active ingredients (multivitamins), special formulas and individualised vaccines.

Non-drug products, e.g. dietary products, gauze, bandages, etc., may not be dispensed.

8. Can I obtain the same brand name medicine prescribed in Spain from a pharmacy in another European country?

A medicine available in one EU country may not be available in another EU country, or may be marketed under a different brand name. The pharmacist will dispense an equivalent drug.

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