The full guide
How prescriptions work
In the public system your GP issues an electronic prescription linked to your tarjeta sanitaria. At the pharmacy you show the card, and the pharmacist sees what you’re entitled to. Repeat prescriptions for long-term medicines are renewed by your GP and released on a schedule.
What you pay after the 2026 reform
A Royal Decree-law in force since 14 May 2026 changed the co-payment rules. The share you pay depends on your income and whether you’re working or a pensioner.
| Workers: annual income | You pay | Monthly cap |
|---|---|---|
| Under €9,000 | 40% | €8.23 |
| €9,000 to €17,999 | 40% | €18.52 |
| €18,000 to €34,999 | 45% | €61.75 |
| €35,000 to €59,999 | 45% | None |
| €60,000 to €99,999 | 50% | None |
| €100,000 or more | 60% | None |
| Pensioners: annual income | You pay | Monthly cap |
|---|---|---|
| Under €18,000 | 10% | €8.23 |
| €18,000 to €59,999 | 10% | €13.37 |
| €60,000 to €99,999 | 10% | €18.52 |
| €100,000 or more | 60% | €61.75 |
Some groups pay nothing, including people on certain minimum incomes and benefits. Some medicines for chronic conditions carry a reduced 10% rate, capped at €4.98 a month.
Private and foreign prescriptions
Private doctors issue paper or private electronic prescriptions, and you pay the full price. Prescriptions from other EU countries can be dispensed in Spain, at the pharmacist’s discretion. Prescriptions from outside the EU generally aren’t accepted, so see a Spanish doctor before you run out.
Pharmacies
Look for the green cross. Hours vary, but many open roughly 9:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00 on weekdays. Every area has a duty pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) open at night, on Sundays and on holidays, on a rota posted on pharmacy doors and on your regional pharmacy association’s website. Antibiotics always need a prescription.
Bringing medicines to Spain
Carry medicines in original packaging, with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor listing generic names. For narcotics and some psychotropic medicines, ask your home authorities about a Schengen certificate before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the pharmacy give me a different brand?
Spanish pharmacies usually dispense the cheapest equivalent generic. The active ingredient and dose are the same.
Do private insurance policies cover medicines?
Most don’t cover pharmacy costs. Check your policy.
