Are medicines cheaper in Spain than at home?

Key rules

• Funded medicines: Publicly funded prescription medicines cost the same at every pharmacy in Spain.
• VAT: Most medicines carry 4% VAT.
• Non-funded products: Over-the-counter and non-funded products have free prices, so they can differ between pharmacies.
• Matching: Match a foreign medicine by its active ingredient, strength and form, not by brand name.

Should you import medicines or buy them in Spain?

For most people, buying in Spain is the better choice. Prices are generally lower than in the US and often lower than in the UK or northern Europe. Importing a supply only makes sense for a product you cannot match locally.

How prices are set

The state sets the prices of publicly funded prescription medicines. The Ministry of Health, through a national pricing commission, fixes a maximum price for each product. The pharmacy price then adds regulated margins and VAT. Most medicines carry 4% VAT.

The result: a funded medicine costs the same at every pharmacy in Spain. Over-the-counter and non-funded products have a free retail price, so it is worth comparing between pharmacies.

What to expect to pay

Generics and older drugs usually cost only a few euros a pack. The same products in the US cost far more. Common over-the-counter items such as painkillers and cold remedies are also cheap.

Newer brand-name drugs vary by product, so do not assume a saving on every item. Compare current prices for your own medicines on the Ministry's lists before you decide to import.

How to find your medicine in Spain

Brand names often differ from country to country. The reliable key is the active ingredient, called the principio activo. Spanish boxes show it in a form like paracetamol or ibuprofeno.

1. Find the active ingredient, strength and form on your box.
2. Search that ingredient in CIMA, the Spanish medicines agency's online database.
3. Or show the box to a pharmacist, who can match it for you.

Strengths and pack sizes may differ from what you know. Generics (EFG) are named by active ingredient plus manufacturer, and doctors in the public system prescribe by active ingredient. Expect your prescription to name the ingredient, not a brand.

The FAQ below answers common questions about pricing and finding equivalents.

Frequently asked questions

Is the price of a medicine the same at every pharmacy in Spain?

Yes, for publicly funded medicines the price is the same at every pharmacy in Spain, because the state sets it. Over-the-counter and non-funded products have a free price, so they can differ from one pharmacy to the next. It is worth comparing two or three pharmacies for those.

How much VAT is charged on medicines in Spain?

Most medicines carry 4% VAT, which is already included in the shelf price. The pharmacy price also includes regulated margins, so you do not pay anything extra on top.

How can I find the Spanish equivalent of a medicine I take at home?

Find the active ingredient, strength and form on your box, then search for that ingredient in CIMA, the Spanish medicines agency's online database. A pharmacist can also match it for you. Brand names often differ between countries, and strengths and pack sizes may too, so go by the active ingredient (principio activo).

Are generics and common painkillers really cheaper in Spain than in the US?

Yes, generics and older drugs usually cost only a few euros a pack in Spain, while the same products in the US cost far more. Painkillers and cold remedies are also cheap. Against the UK or northern Europe the gap is smaller, so check your specific medicine before importing.