Use of e-prescription in other EU countries
From 4 March 2024, e-prescription medicines prescribed in Latvia will be available for purchase in other European Union (EU) Member States. For example, during a business trip or a tourist trip. Cross-border exchange of e-prescription data is provided through the European Core Service Platform. Estonia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Spain, Lithuania and Portugal will start exchanging cross-border e-prescription data with Latvia, while other countries will join gradually. The list of countries will be updated in this section and in the "Cross-border eHealth services" section of the eHealth portal www.eveseliba.gov.lv.
The cross-border exchange of e-prescription data through the European Core Services Platform enables Latvian citizens to receive e-prescription medicines in another EU Member State. At the same time, this will also work vice versa with EU Member States, which will exchange e-prescription data across borders. Initially, residents of Estonia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Spain, Lithuania and Portugal will be able to buy e-prescription medicines in Latvian pharmacies. Countries will join the list gradually.
What needs to be considered?
- When you arrive at the pharmacy, you must inform them that you are a resident of Latvia and that you want to buy the e-prescription medicine that was prescribed in Latvia. You must show your ID to the pharmacist or assistant pharmacist at the pharmacy (each country determines which documents count as ID).
- In some Member States, the purchase of separate doses of e-prescribed medicines may be allowed. In this case, the medicine may be packed into a smaller sachet in the pharmacy, which is given to the customer together with the instructions for use. The e-prescription will show a note for fully or partially dispensed medicines. The remaining quantity will then be available for purchase in Latvia using the same e-prescription.
- E-prescription medicines prescribed in Latvia will not be available in other Member States if they contain psychotropic or narcotic substances. Medicines that are detailed in the e-prescription in a free-form text (e.g. medicines made to order by pharmacies, etc.) will also be excluded.
Obtaining a reimbursable medicinal product in another Member State
If you have an e-prescription for a state-reimbursed medicine in Latvia, you will have to pay for the medicine you receive in another Member State out of your own pocket. You must show proof of identity at the pharmacy when buying medicines. Each country determines which documents are considered as proof of identity, so it is advisable to check this before you plan your trip.
When returning to Latvia, you can apply to the NHS to claim reimbursement in accordance with the reimbursement conditions in force in Latvia.
Information materials:
Access to health data in other EU countries
From 4 March 2024, cross-border exchange of basic population health data will start with certain European Union (EU) Member States - Portugal, Estonia, Spain and France - with which it will be exchanged through the European Core Service platform. The following basic population health data will be shared with other Member States: diagnoses made; surgical interventions, if any, in the last six months. This will allow the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment process to view the patient's basic health data, if necessary, when a Latvian citizen receives medical treatment in another Member State.
The cross-border exchange of basic population health data between Member States will improve access to health data, quality of care and data-driven decision-making. The new procedure will also work vice versa - if a resident from another Member State comes to Latvia, for example, for a tourist trip or business trip, medical staff at a Latvian medical institution will be able to view the foreign patient's medical information in eHealth, if necessary.
Information materials:
