As with your general practitioner (GP), you will need to register with your local pharmacy (apotheek in Dutch).
Filling prescriptions
It is possible to fill prescriptions at other pharmacies, but registering a regular pharmacy (by giving them your contact details and health insurance information) provides several benefits.
Your GP may be able to email your prescription directly to the pharmacy, so you can simply pick up your medicine when you are ready. As they have a record of your prescription history, it gives the pharmacist the ability to check that you haven’t been prescribed conflicting medicines.
If this pharmacy is registered with your particular insurance scheme, you generally won't have to pay directly for the medicine (although that depends on the particular prescription and your policy).
Some pharmacies can deliver medications to your home free of charge, while others also offer secured pick-up boxes accessible with a key, so you can retrieve prescriptions after hours. Many GPsalso have a message service where you can order repeats of on-going prescription medicine, which you can collect from your pharmacy the next day.
Pharmacies opening hours
Opening hours for pharmacies vary, but the address of the nearest out-of-hours pharmacy will be indicated on the door. Pharmacists are able to give advice for minor complaints, while drogists (like Kruidvat or Etos) sell over-the-counter medicine.
Some hospitals in the Netherlands have an onsite pharmacy where you can fill your prescription after you have been treated there, rather than going to your own pharmacy.
FAQs
Here are some important things to know about pharmacies and medication in the Netherlands: A chemist or drogist (drugstore) supplies non-prescription medications, baby items, general toiletries, cosmetics, etc. An apotheek (pharmacy) is the only outlet for prescription drugs.
Can you buy medicine in Netherlands? ›
You can only buy prescription drugs at a Pharmacy (Apotheek). Over-the-counter drugs can be bought at Chemists (Drogist) and supermarkets without a prescription.
What kind of pharmacies are in the Netherlands? ›
In the Netherlands you are likely to see two different sorts of pharmacy/drugstore. One is a dispensing pharmacy (where you can get prescribed medication) and is called an apotheek. The other is a drugstore, or drogisterij, and sells over-the-counter products like painkillers, vitamins, and first aid items.
What medications are not allowed in the Netherlands? ›
Medicines that have a narcotic effect require a certificate. These include sleeping pills, strong painkillers, ADHD medication and medicinal cannabis. Ask your family doctor or pharmacy whether you need a certificate for your medication.
Is Netherlands good for pharmacy? ›
Another advantage of studying pharmacy in the Netherlands is that 88% of pharmacy graduates in the Netherlands find employment opportunities in the first 15 months.
Are medicines free in Netherlands? ›
If your pharmacist has a contract with your health insurer on providing pharmaceutical services, the bill will go directly to your health insurer. If there is no such contract, you will have to pay for the medicines yourself, but you will be able to claim these costs from your insurer later.
Can you buy prescription drugs over-the-counter in Amsterdam? ›
You can only buy prescription drugs at a pharmacy. Over-the-counter drugs can be bought at chemists and supermarkets without a prescription.
Is medicine in netherland in English? ›
At three universities in the Netherlands, it is possible to study medicine in English. The others teach in Dutch. However, as Dutch is similar to German, you have a good chance of learning Dutch quickly.
Is Netherlands good for medicine? ›
Absolutely! Doctors are very much in need here in The Netherlands, but also in Belgium and other Dutch speaking countries. The world renowned Universities of Amsterdam, Groningen and Rotterdam are excellent options.
What drugs are available in Netherlands? ›
NETHERLANDS: Measuring Illegal Drugs
- Cannabis. Total volume of domestic use of cannabis is estimated at 58 to 143 tons per year (KLPD, 2012, Nationaal dreigingsbeeld 2012. ...
- Heroin and cocaine. For the estimation of transactions concerning heroin and cocaine several data sources are used. ...
- XTC / amphetamines.
Prescription medicines that you get from your doctor and pharmacy are always safe. In the Netherlands, only they are allowed to prescribe and supply prescription drugs. They will also tell you how you should use the medicine. Health insurers only provide cover for medicines supplied by legal pharmacies.
What is the FDA equivalent in the Netherlands? ›
European Medicines Agency (EMA) : EMA is a decentralized body of the European Union, located in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Can I bring Tylenol to the Netherlands? ›
You can bring most medicines with you to the Netherlands as long as you can prove that they are for your own use. You should however follow the rules for bringing medicines with you.
What drugs are banned in Amsterdam? ›
Soft drugs are things like cannabis, hash and magic truffles. Hard drugs are pretty much all the other recreational drugs such as cocaine, LSD, speed, heroin and ecstasy. Whilst soft drugs such as cannabis and truffles are tolerated under Dutch law, they are not technically legal.
What can't I bring to the Netherlands? ›
These items should never be packed in your baggage: Drugs such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, crystal meth or other narcotics. Real or fake weapons, pepper spray, ammunition or explosives. Protected or endangered animal and plant species, as well as any item(s) made from them.
Can pharmacists prescribe in the Netherlands? ›
Prescription medicines that you get from your doctor and pharmacy are always safe. In the Netherlands, only they are allowed to prescribe and supply prescription drugs. They will also tell you how you should use the medicine. Health insurers only provide cover for medicines supplied by legal pharmacies.
How does medical care work in the Netherlands? ›
The Netherlands has a universal healthcare system. It's managed by the government and supplemented by private insurers. Anyone living or working in the Netherlands must obtain basic level health insurance (with or without additional coverage) from a Dutch provider.
Can an American pharmacist work in the Netherlands? ›
The pharmacy profession is regulated in The Netherlands. This means that access to this profession is regulated by law. Therefore, pharmacists with a non-Dutch diploma who wish to work in The Netherlands as a pharmacist need the approval of the Dutch authorities.
How can I do medicine in Netherlands? ›
The path to qualifying as a general practitioner in the Netherlands consists of three main stages:
- Bachelor of Medicine (3 years)
- Masters in Medicine (additional 3 years)
- Internship (one year)
