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Slovakia – Prescriptions and Medications

If you are planning to visit or live in Slovakia, it is important to understand the local practices when it comes to medications. In this article, we will answer the following questions:

  • What are pharmacies called in the local language in Slovakia? What does the sign outside pharmacies look like in Slovakia?
  • What are pharmacy opening times in Slovakia?
  • Can common medicines be bought over the counter or do they require a prescription in Slovakia? Can medicines be ordered online?
  • How are prescriptions paid for in Slovakia?

Pharmacies in Slovakia

In Slovakia, pharmacies are commonly known as “lekáre” in the local language. The sign outside a pharmacy is usually a green cross on a white background, which is recognized globally as the symbol for a pharmacy.

Pharmacy Opening Times

Pharmacy opening times in Slovakia vary depending on the location and day of the week. Most pharmacies are open from Monday to Friday, and some are also open on Saturdays. However, the opening hours can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, and some pharmacies may have limited opening hours on certain days.

It is advisable to check the opening times of your local pharmacy before visiting to ensure that it is open when you need it.

Medications in Slovakia

In Slovakia, some common medications such as painkillers and cold remedies can be bought over the counter without a prescription. However, more potent medications such as antibiotics or medication for chronic conditions usually require a prescription from a doctor.

It is important to note that the rules regarding over-the-counter medication in Slovakia may differ from those in your home country. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with a pharmacist before purchasing any medication, especially if you are unsure about the dosage or potential side effects.


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In addition, it is also possible to order medications online in Slovakia. There are several online pharmacies that offer home delivery of medication, but it is important to be cautious when ordering medication online. Always ensure that the online pharmacy is legitimate and that the medication you are ordering is safe and legal.

Prescription Medications

If you require a prescription medication in Slovakia, you will need to visit a doctor who will write you a prescription. Once you have the prescription, you can take it to a pharmacy to have it filled.

When you go to a pharmacy to have a prescription filled, you will need to provide your health insurance details. If you have Slovakian health insurance, you may only need to pay a small co-payment for prescription medication. The amount of the co-payment will depend on the medication and your health insurance policy.

If you do not have Slovakian health insurance, you will need to pay the full cost of the medication.

Payment for Prescriptions

As mentioned earlier, if you have Slovakian health insurance, you may only need to pay a small co-payment for prescription medication. The amount of the co-payment will depend on the medication and your health insurance policy.

It is important to note that the cost of prescription medication in Slovakia can vary widely depending on the type of medication, the dosage, and the pharmacy. Some pharmacies may offer discounts or promotions on certain medications, so it is advisable to shop around before filling a prescription.

If you do not have Slovakian health insurance, you will need to pay the full cost of the medication. Payment for medication in Slovakia can be made in cash or by credit card.

In conclusion, if you require medication while in Slovakia, it is important to be familiar with the local practices when it comes to prescriptions and medications. Pharmacies in Slovakia are commonly known as “lekáre” in the local language, and the sign outside a pharmacy is usually a green cross on a white background.

Pharmacy opening times in Slovakia vary depending on the location and day of the week. Some common medications can be bought over the counter without a prescription, but more potent medications usually require a prescription from a doctor. If you need a prescription medication, you will need to visit a doctor who will write you a prescription, which you can take to a pharmacy to have it filled.

When filling a prescription in Slovakia, you will need to provide your health insurance details. If you have Slovakian health insurance, you may only need to pay a small co-payment for prescription medication. If you do not have Slovakian health insurance, you will need to pay the full cost of the medication.

Finally, it is important to exercise caution when ordering medication online and to ensure that the online pharmacy is legitimate and that the medication you are ordering is safe and legal. It is also advisable to shop around before filling a prescription to ensure that you are getting the best price for your medication.