Quick Start: Finding a Pharmacy in Leuven
If you're looking for a pharmacy, here's what you need to know:
- Look for the green illuminated cross outside the building.
- Search for nearby pharmacies via apotheek.be.
- Bring your Belgian eID if you have an electronic prescription.
- Don't have an eID yet? Ask your doctor for a paper prescription.
- Need medication after hours? Check the pharmacy on duty via w8post.be or call 0903 99 000 (paid service).
What Is a Pharmacist?
A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who dispenses medication and provides advice about the safe use of medicines.
In Belgium, pharmacies (known as apotheken in Dutch) are the only places where medication can legally be sold. Unlike in some countries, supermarkets generally cannot sell painkillers, cold medicines, or other common medications. They may only sell limited health-related products such as:
- Bandages and plasters
- Disinfectants
- Skin creams
- Personal care products
For medication, you'll need to visit a pharmacy.
How to Find a Pharmacy in Leuven
The easiest way to find a pharmacy near you is through:
Select"Vind een apotheek" ("Find a pharmacy") and enter your location.
You are free to visit any pharmacy that is convenient for you. Belgian pharmacies are connected to national healthcare systems and can access your electronic prescription when required.
What Can You Buy at a Belgian Pharmacy?
Pharmacies offer much more than prescription medication.
You can often buy:
- Cold and flu medication
- Allergy medication
- Sunscreen
- Sports supports and braces
- Dental care products
- First aid supplies
- Insect bite treatments
- Pregnancy tests
Pharmacists can also answer questions about medication interactions, dosage, side effects, and general health concerns.
How Prescriptions Work in Belgium
Most doctors in Belgium issue electronic prescriptions.
When collecting your medication:
- Visit any pharmacy.
- Present your Belgian eID.
- The pharmacist retrieves your electronic prescription.
- Receive your medication and any usage instructions.
If you are new to Belgium and do not yet have an eID, your doctor can provide a paper prescription that you can bring to the pharmacy.
Paying for Medication
If You Have Belgian Health Insurance
If you are registered with a Belgian health insurance fund (ziekenfonds / mutualité), reimbursement is usually applied automatically.
In most cases:
- You only pay your personal contribution.
- The pharmacist directly settles the reimbursed amount with your health insurer.
- Many prescription medications are partially or fully reimbursed.
The level of reimbursement depends on the medication prescribed.
If You Have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you are temporarily staying in Belgium and using an EHIC:
- Pay the full amount at the pharmacy.
- Ask the pharmacist to stamp the prescription.
- Request a receipt.
- Submit both documents to your health insurer for reimbursement.
Finding a Pharmacy Outside Opening Hours
Need medication at night, on a weekend, or during a public holiday?
Belgium operates a rotating system of pharmacies on duty (wachtdienst).
You can find the pharmacy on call by:
- Visiting w8post.be
- Calling 0903 99 000 (paid service)
- Calling 1733 for urgent medical assistance when appropriate
These services will direct you to the nearest pharmacy that is currently open.
Good to Know About Pharmacies in Belgium
- Pharmacies are identified by a green neon cross.
- Most pharmacies are open during standard business hours.
- Many pharmacies also open on Saturday mornings.
- Prescription medication is often reimbursed.
- Non-prescription medication is generally not reimbursed by health insurance.
Helpful Dutch Vocabulary
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Apotheek | Pharmacy |
| Apotheker / Apothekeres | Pharmacist |
| Medicatie | Medication |
| Geneesmiddel | Medicine |
| Voorschrift | Prescription |
| Elektronisch voorschrift | Electronic prescription |
| Recept | Prescription |
| Ziekenfonds | Health insurance fund |
| Terugbetaling | Reimbursement |
| Wachtdienst | On-duty service |
| Pijnstiller | Painkiller |
| Bijwerking | Side effect |
| Hoofdpijn | Headache |
| Verkoudheid | Cold |
| Mijn medicatie ophalen | To collect my medication |
Useful phrase:
"Ik wil graag mijn medicatie ophalen."
"I would like to collect my medication."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to any pharmacy in Belgium?
Yes. You are not required to use a specific pharmacy. You can visit whichever pharmacy is most convenient for you.
Do I need a prescription for all medication?
No. Many medications are available over the counter. However, certain medications can only be dispensed with a doctor's prescription.
What if I do not have a Belgian eID yet?
Your doctor can provide you with a paper prescription that you can take to the pharmacy.
Are medications reimbursed in Belgium?
Many prescribed medications are partially or fully reimbursed through Belgian health insurance. Non-prescription medication is generally not reimbursed.
How do I find a pharmacy at night or on weekends?
Check the pharmacy on duty through w8post.be or call 0903 99 000.
Can pharmacists provide health advice?
Yes. Pharmacists can answer questions about medication use, side effects, dosage, and interactions with other medicines. They are an important part of the Belgian healthcare system.
Useful Resources
- Apotheek.be: Find a pharmacy in Belgium
- W8post.be: Find pharmacies and other healthcare services on duty
- Expatica Belgium Healthcare Guide
- Find a Pharmacy