Dutch Pharmacy Guide: Apotheek for Expats 2026

I spent my first Dutch winter buying progressively stronger paracetamol combinations at Kruidvat, confused about why nothing seemed to touch a persistent back problem. It was only when I finally went to my huisarts and was directed to my apotheek with a proper prescription that I understood: the Dutch pharmacy system is fundamentally different from what most expats are used to. The rules about what requires a prescription, how you access repeat medication, and what your insurance actually covers are specific to the Netherlands and not always intuitive. After navigating the system for a decade and helping hundreds of expat clients through the same confusion, here is everything you need to know.

Before any of this is relevant, you need to be registered in the Netherlands. Your BSN registration is the foundation — without a BSN you cannot register with a GP, and without a GP you cannot get prescriptions. You also need mandatory Dutch health insurance, which covers most prescription medication costs once your eigen risico is met. The Dutch healthcare system overview is useful background if this is your first time navigating the system.

How the Dutch Pharmacy System Works: An Overview

The Dutch apotheek is a registered pharmacy staffed by qualified pharmacists (apothekers) and pharmacy assistants (apotheekassistenten). Unlike a drogisterij (drugstore), your apotheek:

• Dispenses prescription medication
• Maintains your complete medication history (medicatiedossier)
• Checks for drug interactions across all your prescriptions
• Is linked electronically to your GP and often to your hospital

This last point is important. When you register with a GP (huisarts), you also register with a preferred apotheek. Electronic prescriptions are sent directly from your GP to your apotheek — you often just collect them without needing a paper form.

Register with one apotheek and stick with it. The medication history they maintain is a safety net. If you have multiple active prescriptions from different sources, your apotheek can flag interactions that individual prescribers might miss.

Prescription Medication (Recept): What Requires One

This is where the first major adjustment for most expats happens. The Netherlands applies stricter prescription requirements than many English-speaking countries.

Prescription-Only in the Netherlands (OTC in Many Other Countries)

This matters practically. If you arrive from a country where you managed certain conditions with easily available OTC medication, you will need to register with a GP first to continue those treatments in the Netherlands. The registration guide covers the process for finding an English-speaking GP.

What Is Available OTC

Standard over-the-counter medications available at the apotheek or drogisterij without a prescription:

• Paracetamol (up to 500mg tablets, 1000mg in some apotheek formats)
• Ibuprofen (200mg, 400mg)
• Aspirin (standard doses)
• Antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine in standard doses)
• Antacids and stomach remedies
• Topical antiseptics and wound care
• Cold and flu preparations (without codeine)
• Emergency contraception (morning-after pill — apotheek only, not drogisterij)
• Nicotine replacement therapy

Apotheek vs Drogisterij: Knowing Which to Use

For practicality: buy your paracetamol, ibuprofen, and cold remedies at Kruidvat or Etos — it is cheaper. Go to your apotheek for prescriptions, for pharmacist advice, and for anything where medication history or drug interaction checking matters.

Getting a Prescription: The Step-by-Step Process

First Prescription

1. Book a GP appointment (huisarts) — either via the practice website, their app, or by phone. Read the Dutch healthcare system overview if you are unfamiliar with how GP gatekeeping works.
2. The GP assesses your situation — they may prescribe directly, refer you to a specialist, or recommend OTC alternatives.
3. Electronic prescription issued — sent directly to your chosen apotheek. You receive a notification (SMS or email) when it is ready.
4. Collect from apotheek — bring your ID on the first collection. Subsequent collections of the same medication typically do not require ID.

Most GPs in major Dutch cities speak English. If yours does not, ask the practice for help or find one through the English-speaking doctor guide.

Prescription Costs and Insurance

Prescription medication covered by the basic insurance (basisverzekering) is dispensed free at the apotheek once your eigen risico (€385 in 2026) is met. Until then, you pay the cost yourself. Your apotheek tracks your eigen risico spending automatically.

Some medications have a co-payment even with insurance — this happens when you are prescribed a branded medication but a generic equivalent exists on the covered list. The apotheek will tell you at collection if this applies, and you have the option to switch to the generic.

Medications not on the government’s covered list require full out-of-pocket payment or supplementary insurance coverage. Check the aanvullende verzekering guide to understand what supplementary plans cover.

Compare aanvullende verzekering options on Independer →

Repeat Prescriptions (Herhaalrecept): Ongoing Medication

If you have a chronic condition or long-term medication — blood pressure medication, thyroid hormones, oral contraceptives, ADHD medication, antidepressants — you will be on a herhaalrecept system.

How It Works

Once your GP has assessed you and confirmed stable medication, they register it as a repeat prescription. You can then request new supplies without a full appointment:

• Via your GP practice’s online portal — most practices have a patient portal (often via Mijn Gezondheid.net or a practice-specific system)
• Via telephone — call the assistant (assistente) at your practice and request a herhaalrecept
• Via your apotheek’s automatic system — many apotheken have direct links with GP practices and can trigger the prescription automatically when your supply is running low

Lead time: Allow 1–3 working days between requesting and collecting. Do not wait until you have one tablet left. Build in a one-week buffer.

Periodic reviews: Dutch GPs typically schedule a review appointment every 6–12 months for repeat medications. This is not optional bureaucracy — it is how the system ensures you are still on the right dose and that the medication is still appropriate. Your apotheek will flag if a review is overdue.

Online Pharmacies in the Netherlands

Several reputable online pharmacies operate legally in the Netherlands and can deliver prescription medication to your door. They are fully registered and operate under the same legal framework as physical apotheken.

Well-known options include:

• DocMorris — large European online pharmacy with Dutch operations
• Apotheek.nl — Dutch-based online apotheek
• Mediq Direct — specialist in chronic condition supplies

To use an online apotheek for prescriptions, your GP must be able to send the electronic prescription to them, or they must be set as your preferred apotheek in the national system. Discuss with your GP practice if you want to switch.

Online pharmacies are particularly useful for:

• People with mobility issues
• Rural areas where the nearest apotheek is inconvenient
• Regular repeat prescriptions for chronic conditions
• Ordering supplements and OTC products at better prices

Duty Pharmacies (Dienstapotheek): When You Need Medication Out of Hours

Regular apotheken in the Netherlands typically open Monday–Friday 08:30–17:30 or 18:00, with some Saturday morning hours. When you need medication urgently outside these times, you need a dienstapotheek.

How to Find the Dienstapotheek

1. Your regular apotheek’s door — by law, every apotheek must post the current duty pharmacy contact information
2. Your municipality website — search “[your city] dienstapotheek”
3. The huisartsenpost (out-of-hours GP service) — when you call 112 or the regional huisartsenpost number, they will direct you to the dienstapotheek
4. Apotheek.nl/dienstapotheek — national lookup tool

Dienstapotheek hours are typically 17:30–08:00 weekdays and continuous over weekends and public holidays. Expect to travel — the duty pharmacy is not always your nearest regular apotheek.

Important: You need a prescription from the out-of-hours GP (huisartsenpost) or an existing digital prescription to collect from the dienstapotheek. It is not a walk-in service for self-assessed needs.

Bringing Medication from Abroad

Moving to the Netherlands

When relocating, bring sufficient supply to last while you establish your GP and get prescriptions arranged. Standard guidance:

• 3-month supply is generally accepted for personal use within the EU
• Controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants for ADHD) require documentation. Get a letter from your doctor in your home country specifying the medication, diagnosis, daily dose, and travel duration. An official Schengen certificate (available from your home country’s health authority) provides additional protection.
• Carry medication in original packaging with your name visible. This is not legally required for most medications but prevents questions.
• Check the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG) website or your apotheek for current import rules for specific medications.

Medication Name Differences

Many medications have different brand names between countries but are the same active ingredient. Common examples:

When you go to your apotheek, use the generic (active ingredient) name if you are unsure about brand availability. Pharmacists can cross-reference quickly.

Insurance and Medication: What Is Covered

Dutch basic health insurance covers medications on the GVS (Geneesmiddelenvergoedingssysteem) list — the government’s approved medication coverage list. Key rules:

• Generic first: If a generic version of your medication exists, insurance covers the generic. The branded version may have a co-payment.
• Eigen risico applies: Prescription medication is subject to your annual €385 deductible. GP visits are not — but everything dispensed by the apotheek is.
• OTC is not covered: Even if your GP recommends OTC paracetamol, it is not covered by insurance. Only prescription items on the GVS list are.
• Specialty medication: Some high-cost specialist medications have specific coverage criteria that your specialist and apotheek manage together.

Aanvullende Verzekering for Medication

If you take medication not on the basic coverage list, an aanvullende verzekering (supplementary insurance) may help. Most supplementary plans add:

• Extended coverage for certain branded medications
• Alternative medicine and homeopathy (if that matters to you)
• Additional physiotherapy sessions
• Better dental coverage

Use Independer to compare plans that include aanvullende modules relevant to your specific medication needs. The platform has an English-language comparison tool.

Compare supplementary insurance plans on Independer →

Practical Tips for Expats Using Dutch Pharmacies

Register early. You cannot use a Dutch apotheek for prescription medication without being registered with a GP. Registration requires a BSN. Get your BSN first. Read the BSN registration guide. The first 30 days checklist prioritises the exact order to do things.

Choose one apotheek and stick with it. Your medication history, interactions database, and repeat prescription relationship all depend on continuity. Switching randomly between apotheken is inefficient and potentially unsafe.

Most apotheek staff speak English. Particularly in cities and in areas with high expat populations (Eindhoven, Amsterdam, Den Haag). If you are uncertain about something, ask — pharmacists are required to counsel patients on medication and take this seriously.

Call ahead for less common medications. A full stock of every possible medication is not guaranteed at every apotheek. If you have a prescription for something unusual, call ahead to check stock before making the trip.

Your apotheek can review your full medication list. This service (medicatiereviewer) is available to patients who want a pharmacist to check their complete set of medications for interactions, dosage optimisation, and appropriateness. It is free and worth requesting if you are on multiple medications.

Never share prescription medication. Obvious, but worth stating — Dutch law treats this the same as distribution. Controlled substances in particular carry significant penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mental health medication prescription-only in the Netherlands?

Yes. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, ADHD medication (methylphenidate, atomoxetine), and mood stabilisers are all prescription-only in the Netherlands. Your GP can prescribe most standard mental health medication; more complex cases involve referral to a psychiatrist. Mental health support for expats covers the full system including how to access English-language therapy. Continuity of mental health medication is important — bring 3 months’ supply when relocating and arrange your GP registration before your existing supply runs out.

Can I buy codeine at a Dutch pharmacy without a prescription?

No. Codeine-based combinations — including products like co-codamol that are widely available OTC in the UK and Ireland — are prescription-only in the Netherlands. Standard paracetamol and ibuprofen are available OTC, but anything containing codeine requires a prescription from your GP. Register with a huisarts and request a prescription if you regularly use codeine-based pain relief.

What happens if I run out of medication over a weekend?

If it is urgent, contact the huisartsenpost (out-of-hours GP service) by phone. They assess your situation and, if appropriate, issue an emergency prescription that you collect from the dienstapotheek. For non-urgent situations, call your regular GP practice on Monday morning. This is why building a one-week buffer into your repeat prescription routine is important — it prevents emergency situations.

How long does a prescription take to fill at a Dutch apotheek?

Most standard prescriptions are ready within 15–30 minutes if the medication is in stock. Complex medications or those requiring special preparation may take longer — the apotheek will advise. Electronic prescriptions sent in advance by your GP can be ready before you arrive. Call ahead if you need it quickly.

Does my supplementary insurance cover medication abroad?

Most aanvullende verzekering plans include some coverage for emergency medical costs abroad, including medication. Check your specific policy — supplementary insurance terms vary considerably. For extended travel or periods abroad, separate travel insurance provides cleaner coverage. The health insurance comparison guide covers this in more detail.

Can my apotheek recommend medication without a GP visit?

For minor complaints, yes. Dutch pharmacy assistants and pharmacists provide self-medication advice (zelfzorgadvies) for common conditions — colds, mild pain, skin conditions, stomach complaints. They will recommend OTC options and tell you clearly if they think you need to see a GP. This is a useful first step for non-urgent issues and saves a GP appointment. For anything requiring prescription medication, you need the huisarts.

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