The pharmacy comes first
Across much of Europe the pharmacist, not the doctor, is the first port of call for minor illness. They are trained to assess common complaints, recommend treatments and refer you on when needed. It is usually the fastest and cheapest route.
Public or private
State care is what your GHIC or EHIC covers. Private clinics are quicker, more likely to have English-speaking staff, and paid out of pocket (recoverable through insurance). In an emergency you may simply be taken to whichever facility is nearest.
Clinics, hotel doctors and online
- Tourist clinics: resort areas often run dedicated services, and Italy has a seasonal Guardia Medica Turistica.
- Hotel and home-visit doctors: many hotels can summon a doctor; in France, SOS Médecins visits around the clock.
- Telemedicine: online GP services connect you to EU-registered, often English-speaking doctors who can issue an EU-valid e-prescription, commonly from around €20.
- Out-of-hours GP line: Germany and Austria run 116117 for non-urgent advice.
What it costs and how long it takes
Public emergency rooms are free or a small fee with the card, but expect long waits for minor problems. A private GP or telemedicine consultation is roughly €20 to €120. For non-urgent issues, telemedicine or a pharmacy beats sitting in A&E.
Common questions
How do I see a doctor on holiday in Europe?
For minor illness start at a pharmacy. For a prescription or assessment, use public care (covered by your GHIC or EHIC), a private clinic, a tourist clinic, a hotel doctor, or an online GP. Online consultations often start around 20 euros.
Can I find an English-speaking doctor abroad?
Often yes, especially at private clinics and tourist clinics in resort areas, and through telemedicine services that use EU-registered English-speaking doctors.
Is there an online doctor I can use while travelling?
Yes. Travel telemedicine services connect you to EU-registered doctors who can issue an EU-valid e-prescription. If you are in Spain, The Holiday Doctor offers an English-speaking online service for continuing medication you already take.
How much does a doctor cost abroad?
A private GP or telemedicine consultation is roughly 20 to 120 euros. Public emergency care is free or a small fee with the card, but waits for minor problems are long.
Check it yourself
Rules change, so the official source is the final word.