Prescription copayments (copago) and pricesArticle 6 of 9 · 2 min read
Medicine costs on a short stay with an EHIC or GHIC
What you pay for prescription medicine at a Spanish pharmacy on a short stay with an EHIC or GHIC, and what to show at the counter. For temporary visitors, seasonal workers and students without a Spanish health card.
Key rules
- Your share: You pay 40% of the price, and the public system pays the rest.
- Pensioners: If you are a pensioner covered by your home country, the 10% rate can apply.
- Show at the counter: Bring a public-system prescription and your EHIC or GHIC card.
- Private prescriptions: A private prescription is charged at full price and is not refunded.
Pharmacy practice varies by region, so confirm the rate and the papers needed with the pharmacy or the regional health service.
What you pay
With an EHIC or GHIC you pay 40% of the medicine's price at the pharmacy. The public system covers the rest. This is the rate Spanish people in work pay.
If you are a pensioner covered by your home country, the 10% rate can apply to you instead. Ask the pharmacist, and have proof of your pensioner status with you.
What to show
Show two things at the counter:
- A prescription from a doctor in the Spanish public system. It must come from a visit you made using your EHIC or GHIC.
- Your EHIC or GHIC card.
The documents block below has the list. Pharmacies differ by region and by prescription format, so some may ask for more or handle it differently.
Private prescriptions
A private prescription does not give you the subsidised price. You pay the full price. You cannot get that money back. The questions below cover refunds and pensioner rates.
Before you go
See a doctor in the public system and say you are using your EHIC or GHIC. Then take the prescription and the card to any pharmacy.
Documents you need
-
A prescription from a doctor in the Spanish public system, issued after a visit made under your EHIC or GHIC. Without it, the medicine is charged at full price.
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Your EHIC or GHIC card, shown at the pharmacy together with the prescription.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a refund if I paid full price with a private prescription?
No, a private prescription is charged at full price and cannot be refunded under your EHIC or GHIC. Only medicines prescribed by a doctor in the Spanish public system get the subsidy. If you need ongoing medicine, see a public doctor first and use that prescription.
Do I pay a lower rate at the pharmacy if I am a pensioner on an EHIC or GHIC?
Yes, you can pay the 10% pensioner rate if your home country covers you as a pensioner. Otherwise you pay the 40% rate that applies to active workers. Tell the pharmacist which applies to you when you show your card.
More in Prescription copayments (copago) and prices
- How the prescription copayment (copago) works
- Which copayment tier you start in as a new resident
- Prescription costs for retirees, pensioners and S1 holders
- Who pays nothing or less for prescriptions (aportación reducida)
- How the copayment works for your spouse and children
- When your prescription is not covered (medicamentos no financiados)
- Why the pharmacist gave you a different box (genéricos)
- Are medicines cheaper in Spain than at home?
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