Dutch pharmacies (apotheken) dispense prescriptions, check medicine combinations, provide medication counselling and maintain a medication record when you use them consistently. Out-of-hours urgent prescriptions are usually handled by a dienstapotheek.
Prescriptions and reimbursement
The basic package reimburses most prescribed medicines that fall within the Dutch reimbursement system. Medicines covered by the basic package generally count toward the eigen risico. Some medicines also have a statutory eigen bijdrage; in 2026 the medicine-specific contribution is capped at €250 per calendar year.
Why you may receive a different brand
Insurers can use preferentiebeleid, reimbursing a preferred brand with the same active ingredient. If there is a medical reason you should not use that brand, discuss this with your prescriber and pharmacist.
Out-of-hours pharmacy
When your normal pharmacy is closed and you urgently need medicine, use the local dienstapotheek, often near a huisartsen-spoedpost or hospital. Out-of-hours pharmaceutical service can cost more than normal daytime dispensing even when the medicine itself is insured.
Practical tips
- Choose a regular pharmacy close to home or your GP.
- Bring an up-to-date medication list when moving from abroad.
- Ask your GP/pharmacist before assuming a foreign brand name maps directly to a Dutch product.
- Check Medicijnkosten.nl for reimbursement/eigen-bijdrage information.
- Save the location and phone number of your nearest dienstapotheek.