Andorra is a small independent principality, situated in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, it boasts a fantastic healthcare system, which consistently ranks highly in the top 10 lists from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and in publications such as The Lancet. In fact, in 2017, it was voted as having the best healthcare system in the world, beating the likes of Sweden, Germany, and Iceland to secure the top spot. For a country with a population of just 76,965, that is pretty impressive!Andorra also has one of the highest ratios of pharmacies per capita in Europe, with around 50 pharmacies operating in the Principat de les Valls d’Andorra. Pharmacists in Andorra are licensed by the government, and they can sell approved foreign medications from pharmaceutical companies who have agreements with the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Andorra's healthcare system
Andorra’s healthcare system has been in place for just over 100 years and is structurally very similar to that of France. There are several governing bodies that regulate the Andorran healthcare system: the General Council, the National Health Service (SAAS), the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Social Security Office (CASS). The social security system is funded by public contributions (taxes) and supports a universal healthcare system that typically covers up to 75% of medical costs. In some cases, it may cover up to 90% or even 100% of the costs (usually only in the instance of workplace injury or giving birth).
Expatriates who are not citizens, nationals, or officially recognised permanent residents of Andorra will not be covered by the healthcare system, unless they are paying the social security contributions. The system typically operates on a pay first basis, with reimbursement being given to the patient after they have paid the fees out of pocket and produced the relevant receipts. You will more than likely be required to pay for prescriptions from your doctor, as well as the initial costs of your appointment and/or treatment.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being dissolved now that the UK has left the European Union, and it does not cover any medical costs incurred in Andorra. Instead, if you are not entitled to social security covered by the state, you should ensure that you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance. Your selected insurance policy should cover you and any relevant members of your family, such as your spouse and any dependent children.
Pharmacies, prescriptions & medications
A pharmacy (farmàcia) is easily distinguished in Andorra by a sign with a green cross on it.
Physical pharmacies and online pharmacies are widely available throughout Andorra, which has a very high number of pharmacies per capita. Despite what some outdated sources may claim, you cannot obtain antibiotics as an over-the-counter drug from pharmacies in Andorra. For these, as well as many other medications, you must obtain a prescription from a doctor first.
If you are planning to travel to Andorra with medication, you should first check with your local embassy or consulate for details on medication allowances and restrictions. You may need to obtain a signed letter from your GP in your home country and a copy of your prescription to take in your hand luggage.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has a regularly updated list, in PDF form, that notes pharmacies, addresses, opening times and holidays. You can view the document for April 2020 here.
24hr pharmacies in Andorra
Andorra has several categories of pharmacies. Most pharmacies are typically open from 9:30am until 1:30pm and then from 4:30pm until 8pm from Monday to Saturday. There are, however, some that are open 24hrs a day, and these are usually indicated with a red light. When you visit a 24hr pharmacy, you will usually have to ring a bell; you will then be served through a hatch, where you can communicate with the pharmacist through bulletproof glass.
Some 24hr pharmacies in Andorra include:
• Farmàcia carolina garrallà
Address: No7, Av. de Sant Antoni, AD400 La Massana, Andorra
• Gran farmàcia
Address: Av. Meritxell, 83, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
• Farmàcia piolets Andorra
Address: AD100 Soldeu, Andorra
• Farmàcia del pas
Address: Carrer Major, 1, AD200 Pas de la Casa, Andorra
• Farmàcia manresa
Address: Plaça del Consell, 10, AD200 Encamp, Andorra
• Farmàcia abarset
Address: AD100 Canillo, Andorra
Specialised pharmacies
Another category of pharmacies in Andorra consists of those that are considered “specialised” or “specialist” pharmacies. Specialised pharmacies usually specialise in one particular area or house a resident pharmacist who has studied to specialise in said area. For example, some may specialise in cold and flu treatments, which others may specialise in importing foreign products.
Some specialised pharmacies in Andorra include:
• Gran farmàcia
Address: Av. Meritxell, 83, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
• Farmàcia font freda
Address: Travessia d’Ordino, 8, AD300 Ordino, Andorra
• Farmàcia mortes
Address: Av. Fiter i Rossell, 4, AD700 Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra
• Farmàcia piolets andorra
Address: AD100 Soldeu, Andorra
• Farmàcia del pas
Address: Carrer Major, 1, AD200 Pas de la Casa, Andorra
• Farmàcia carolina garrallà
Address: No7, Av. de Sant Antoni, AD400 La Massana, Andorra
• Farmàcia manresa
Address: Plaça del Consell, 10, AD200 Encamp, Andorra
• Farmàcia abarset
Address: AD100 Canillo, Andorra
Andorran pharmacies online
If you’re looking for a local pharmacy in Andorra that is also online, for deliveries or click and collect, here are some links:
• Pharmacie del Pont
• Farmacia del Pas
• Farmacia Andorra Piolets
• Farmacia Manresa
• Farmacia Andorra