Bermuda – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in Bermuda, and what do they look like?

Bermuda’s official language is English, and pharmacies in Bermuda are typically well-stocked and modern, and are usually located within or adjacent to medical facilities or in commercial areas. You will encounter three names used interchangeably: pharmacy, chemist, and drug store. A stroll around Hamilton will reveal all three in active use — for example, The Phoenix Stores Ltd. is Bermuda’s largest pharmacy, comprised of eight major locations across the island, including The Phoenix Centre, Collector’s Hill Apothecary, Paget Pharmacy, Warwick Pharmacy, Clarendon Pharmacy, Woodbourne Chemist, King Street Pharmacy and Dockyard Pharmacy.

The name “Woodbourne Chemist” is a good example of the British-influenced “chemist” terminology still used on the island, while “Robertson’s Drug Store” in St. George’s reflects the North American “drug store” tradition. Signage varies by individual outlet — there is no single universal design as you might find in some European countries (such as the green cross used across France and Spain). Instead, each pharmacy displays its own branding, though most use clear signage with the word “Pharmacy,” “Chemist,” or “Drug Store” prominently displayed. The Phoenix Stores’ commitment to quality makes it a market leader in prescriptions, health and beauty aids, and newsstand publications, and each location stocks an extensive range of over-the-counter medications, health and beauty aids, postcards, souvenirs, beach gear, and sun-care products.

The Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association (BPA) is the professional body that represents pharmacists in Bermuda. The BPA ensures that the highest standards of practice are met and provides opportunities for pharmacists to improve their knowledge and practice, and acts to foster good relationships with all healthcare practitioners and the public. A full register of currently licensed pharmacies is published by the Government of Bermuda under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979, with the Register of Pharmacies published in compliance with Part IV Section 16 of that Act.

What are pharmacy opening times in Bermuda?

Opening hours vary considerably between pharmacies and their locations around the island. There is no single standard set of hours. Most outlets operate Monday to Saturday during core daytime hours, with Sunday opening more limited. The following gives a representative picture based on current listings from the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association:

Hamilton Pharmacy on Parliament Street is one of Bermuda’s only late-night pharmacies, open until 8pm, and has access to over 20,000 medicines from wholesalers in the UK, US, and Canada. For the Dockyard Pharmacy, hours change with the tourist season: from April to October, Monday to Friday hours are 8:00am–6:00pm; from November to December, Monday to Friday hours are 10:00am–5:00pm with Saturday–Sunday 9:00am–5:00pm; and from January to March, the pharmacy is open Monday to Sunday 8:00am–4:00pm, with Saturday–Sunday 10:00am–4:00pm.

All Phoenix Stores locations are open six days a week, while The Phoenix Centre, Collector’s Hill Apothecary, Paget Pharmacy, Warwick Pharmacy and Dockyard Pharmacy are also open on Sundays and holidays. As a general rule, it is advisable to check the specific pharmacy’s hours directly before visiting, especially on Sundays, public holidays, and during the quieter winter season.

Can medicines be bought over the counter in Bermuda, or do they require a prescription?

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medications you can buy without a prescription. These usually treat common ailments such as aches, pains, and itches. Some will be available to choose directly from the store shelf; others will require you to speak to a pharmacist first. Your pharmacist may want to ask you some questions to ensure you are getting the right medication and to ensure that you do not require treatment by a doctor.

Which medicines are classified as OTC varies from country to country, so some medicines you could buy without a prescription overseas may not be available OTC in Bermuda. This is an important point for anyone relocating from abroad: a medicine freely available off the shelf in one country may require a local prescription in Bermuda. For example, some medicines that are OTC elsewhere are not available without prescription in Bermuda — for example, oral antifungals — while others, such as some sleeping tablets and strong laxatives, are surprisingly available over the counter.

In Bermuda, prescriptions are required for most medications that fall under controlled or specialised categories. This includes many drugs commonly prescribed for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health issues. If you are moving to Bermuda with an existing chronic condition, it is essential to register with a local general practitioner as quickly as possible so that you can obtain the necessary local prescriptions. If you are moving to Bermuda with an existing medical condition, it is crucial to bring a sufficient supply of your medication until you can see a local doctor, ensure you have your medical records and a list of current medications, and be aware that some medications may have different names or brands in Bermuda.

For emergency situations, the BPA confirms that a five-day emergency supply can be issued to visitors from a registered pharmacy, which will require proof that you have had this medication in the past six months or that you are taking it regularly; if this cannot be provided, a prescription may be obtained from a Bermuda-registered doctor.

Herbal and complementary medications may be helpful, but they do not go through the same rigorous testing and regulation as prescription medications. If you decide to take a herbal or complementary medication, always discuss this with your pharmacist or doctor to ensure they do not interact with your regular medication.

Can medicines be ordered online in Bermuda?

Several pharmacies in Bermuda offer online or telephone-based prescription refill services, making it more convenient to manage repeat medications. The Phoenix Stores offers an online prescription refill service, with a friendly and professional team that will have prescriptions ready for collection. Call in a refill by noon and have your medication delivered to your doorstep the next business day, or have your doctor fax a prescription directly to the pharmacy.

You can refill your prescription online at the Phoenix Stores website, mention a pickup point, and collect your medicines later as you pass by the store. Total Health Chemist, independently owned and operated, offers a wide range of services plus free island-wide delivery. These delivery and online services are particularly useful on an island where transport can be limited to mopeds and buses.

It is important to note that ordering prescription medicines from overseas online retailers is subject to strict regulation. All medicines, including over-the-counter products, are subject to importation regulations; however, small quantities for personal use may be permitted without prior approval, provided they are not controlled substances and meet other regulatory criteria. For any medicine that is not approved or available in Bermuda, the individual must apply to the Bermuda Pharmacy Council for permission to import the medicine, involving the submission of detailed documentation for review. Attempting to order prescription medicines online from overseas without following this process risks confiscation by customs.

How are prescriptions paid for in Bermuda?

Unlike publicly funded healthcare systems — such as those found in many European countries — Bermuda does not operate a national health service with government-subsidised prescriptions. Payment for medicines is primarily handled through private health insurance. Prescription medications in Bermuda can be expensive, especially when compared to prices in countries with subsidised healthcare systems; the cost of living in Bermuda is generally high, and this extends to healthcare products and services.

While insurance covers 80% of the cost of the majority of medications, some medications cost tens of thousands of dollars, and for those with chronic conditions, having to pay that 20% co-payment for every medication they need can really add up. The Bermuda government has acknowledged the burden of medication costs and has been working to introduce a drug formulary and greater price regulation. Data from insurers and pharmacies will be used in setting regulated and fair pricing for members of the public through a transparent process, and the Bermuda Pharmacy Council may partner with a local pharmacy or importer to assist in securing the best possible drug prices.

For seniors, those on FutureCare (the government plan for seniors) receive medication coverage, but this comes with a cap of $2,000 per year. Having health insurance that includes prescription coverage is highly recommended; this can help offset the costs of medications. Check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered and any specific requirements for obtaining medications in Bermuda.

Some insurance plans in Bermuda offer full coverage at network pharmacies. As of 2024, under at least one major insurer’s plan, generic drugs are covered at 100% and brand-name drugs at 80% when filled at non-network pharmacies, with prescribed contraceptives covered at 75% up to $1,200 per calendar year. Plans and coverage levels vary significantly between providers, so always confirm the details of your specific policy.

What do I need to know about bringing medication into Bermuda?

If you are relocating to Bermuda and plan to bring a supply of your current medication, there are important rules to follow. As a general rule, visitors who have been prescribed medication by a physician may bring a reasonable quantity for their own use during their stay in Bermuda. Visitors are not required to declare their personal prescription medicines on a Customs Form 98; however, prescription medications should be appropriately labelled and kept in the original containers provided by the pharmacist.

If you are taking prescription medication, you must inform Bermuda customs officials at the point of entry. Medicines must be in labelled containers, and travellers should carry a copy of the written prescription and a letter from the physician or pharmacist confirming the reason the medicine is prescribed.

Once you are resident in Bermuda, you will need a locally issued prescription to continue obtaining your medicines. If you have a prescription from a doctor overseas it can be filled if it is countersigned by a doctor in Bermuda; the transfer of prescriptions between pharmacies is allowed, but it is advised that you use one pharmacy for all your prescriptions as pharmacists are better able to detect potential interactions between your medications and provide a personalised service.

All prescriptions expire one year after they are written, with the exception of controlled medication prescriptions which expire after 13 weeks. Controlled medicines are listed in the Misuse of Drugs Act; stricter controls are applied to these medications to prevent them from being misused, being obtained illegally, or causing harm. Controlled medicines are classified based on their benefit when used for medical purposes and the harm they may cause if misused. It is also worth being aware that humidity is a problem in Bermuda, so medication should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, as humidity, heat and light can affect medication potency and safety.

Frequently asked questions

Is the word “pharmacy” or “chemist” used in Bermuda?

Both terms are used. You will find outlets calling themselves pharmacies, chemists, and drug stores across the island — all refer to the same type of establishment. The Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association uses “pharmacy” as its standard term, but signage varies by individual business.

Are there any 24-hour pharmacies in Bermuda?

There are no confirmed 24-hour pharmacies in Bermuda. Hamilton Pharmacy on Parliament Street is one of Bermuda’s only late-night pharmacies, open until 8pm. For genuine medical emergencies outside pharmacy hours, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Paget has an emergency and outpatient department.

Can I use a prescription written by my doctor at home?

If you have a prescription from a doctor overseas it can be filled if it is countersigned by a doctor in Bermuda. You cannot simply hand over a foreign prescription and have it dispensed — you will need to see a local doctor who can authorise it.

What happens if I run out of medication while visiting Bermuda?

A five-day emergency supply can be issued to you from a registered pharmacy. They will require proof that you have had this medication in the past six months or that you are taking it regularly. If this cannot be provided, a prescription may be obtained from a Bermuda-registered doctor.

Are generic medicines available in Bermuda?

Yes. Pharmacies in Bermuda stock both brand-name and generic medicines. Some pharmacies have access to over 20,000 medicines from wholesalers in the UK, US, and Canada. Choosing generic drugs where available can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, as many insurance plans cover generics at a higher percentage than brand-name drugs.

Can medicines be delivered to my home in Bermuda?

Some pharmacies, including Phoenix Stores, offer home delivery — call in a refill by noon and have your medication delivered to your doorstep the next business day, or have your doctor fax or send a prescription directly. Total Health Chemist also offers free island-wide delivery. Check with your local pharmacy as delivery availability varies.

Do I need health insurance to access medications in Bermuda?

Having health insurance that includes prescription coverage is highly recommended for anyone living in Bermuda. Without it, the full cost of prescription medicines falls to the individual, and prescription medications in Bermuda can be expensive, particularly compared to countries with subsidised healthcare systems, as the cost of living on the island is generally high.

Are herbal and complementary medicines available in Bermuda?

Yes, many pharmacies stock herbal and complementary products alongside conventional medicines. However, herbal and complementary medications do not go through the same rigorous testing and regulation as prescription medications, so always discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor to ensure they do not interact with your regular medication.