Estonia – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in Estonia, and how do I recognise one?

The Estonian term for pharmacy is apteek (plural: apteegid). This word appears prominently on signage outside every licensed dispensing outlet, making it easy for newcomers — even those who do not yet speak any Estonian — to identify where to obtain medicines. The word will feel familiar to many Europeans, given its similarity to the German Apotheke and the Dutch apotheek.

Estonian pharmacies typically display a green cross — the same internationally recognised symbol seen throughout continental Europe — alongside the word apteek. The country’s major pharmacy chains are easy to spot through their consistent branding. The largest chains operating in Estonia are Apotheka, Südameapteek, Benu Apteek, and Euroapteek. Their branches can be found in shopping centres, high streets, and residential neighbourhoods alike, and each chain maintains a recognisable visual identity across all locations.

All pharmacies in Estonia are regulated by the State Agency of Medicines (Ravimiamet), which is responsible for licensing, product approvals, and professional standards. The Apteegiinfo portal provides a searchable directory of pharmacies nationwide and allows you to compare medicine prices across different outlets.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Estonia?

Most pharmacies in Estonia are open from approximately 09:00 to between 19:00 and 21:00 on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturdays and Sundays. Opening times vary considerably depending on the location and type of outlet — pharmacies situated inside supermarkets or major shopping centres tend to follow the longer trading hours of those venues, while smaller standalone branches often close earlier, especially at weekends.

Tallinn is served by 24-hour pharmacies for those who need medications outside standard trading hours. Round-the-clock options in the capital include Tõnismäe Südameapteek 24h at Tõnismäe 5 and Vikerlase Südameapteek 24h at Vikerlase 19. These pharmacies also cover the overnight period from 20:00 to 08:00 on weekdays, ensuring that late-night cover is consistently available across the city.

Beyond Tallinn, true 24-hour pharmacy provision becomes less common. Cities such as Tartu and Pärnu have pharmacies with extended opening hours, but continuous overnight service is primarily a feature of the capital. In rural areas, hours are generally more restricted and the nearest pharmacy may involve a longer journey. It is advisable to identify the closest pharmacy to your home shortly after arriving in Estonia, particularly if you depend on regular medication.

To locate a duty pharmacy near you at any hour, consult the Apteegiinfo website or app, which lists current opening hours and on-call pharmacies across the country. The health information line 1220 can also direct you to the nearest open outlet.

Which medications can I buy over the counter in Estonia, and which require a prescription?

In Estonia, all medicines are classified as either prescription-only (Rx) or available over the counter (OTC). Widely used OTC products — including paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, vitamins, cough preparations, and topical creams — can be bought freely at any pharmacy without a doctor’s authorisation. However, the boundary between prescription and non-prescription status for some products may differ from what you are accustomed to in your home country.

Antibiotics, for instance, are strictly prescription-only in Estonia, consistent with EU medicines regulation, which requires antibiotics and other systemic treatments to be prescribed by a qualified physician. If you are used to purchasing antibiotics or stronger analgesics without a prescription, expect tighter controls here. Some preparations freely available over the counter in countries such as the UK are dispensed in Estonia only on prescription.

Online pharmacies are legal and fully operational in Estonia. Digital prescriptions can be used to purchase medicinal products from all Estonian pharmacies and e-pharmacies alike. This means that both OTC and prescription items can be ordered online — for prescription products, your e-prescription is automatically accessible to licensed online pharmacies via your personal identification code. Only pharmacies holding a valid licence from the State Agency of Medicines are permitted to sell medicines online, so always confirm that any online pharmacy displays the official EU Common Logo before making a purchase.

How does the prescription system work in Estonia?

Estonia’s approach to prescriptions is among the most digitally advanced in the world. The national e-prescription system was introduced in 2010, and today 99.9% of all prescriptions are handled electronically. Paper prescriptions are issued only in truly exceptional circumstances — a stark contrast to many other countries, including those across the EU, where printed or handwritten prescription documents remain standard practice.

A digital prescription is an electronic record of a prescribed medicinal product that the physician creates on a computer and submits directly to the national prescription centre — a centralised electronic database used for issuing and processing prescriptions. Both general practitioners (family doctors) and specialists are authorised to issue digital prescriptions.

When prescribing, the doctor completes an online prescription form through dedicated software and transmits it to the national prescription centre. From that point, the prescription is immediately accessible at any licensed pharmacy in Estonia upon the patient’s request. You are not restricted to a specific branch — you can collect your medication from any authorised apteek across the country.

When visiting a pharmacy to collect medication, you must present an identity document that includes both your photograph and your personal identification code, such as an ID card, driving licence, or passport. Using your identification code, the pharmacist can instantly retrieve all relevant prescription details from the prescription centre.

How long a prescription remains valid depends on the number of dispensing occasions it allows: a single-use prescription is valid for two months, a three-use prescription for six months, and a six-use prescription for one year. Repeat prescriptions for chronic conditions allow patients to collect medicines on multiple occasions without requiring a fresh consultation each time — a concept broadly comparable to repeat prescription services in systems such as the NHS or Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Prescriptions in Estonia can also be assigned different privacy settings. A private prescription may only be collected by the patient themselves; an authorised prescription can be collected by the patient or by individuals they have designated via the patient portal; and a public prescription can be collected by anyone who knows the patient’s personal identification code. These settings can be managed through the patient health portal (terviseportaal.ee).

Doctors in Estonia are generally required to prescribe by active ingredient (International Non-proprietary Name/INN) rather than by a specific brand name. The prescription system then displays all medicines containing that active ingredient currently available at the pharmacy, ordered by price. By law, pharmacists are obliged to recommend the lowest-cost options first.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in Estonia?

What you pay for prescription medicines in Estonia depends largely on whether you are covered by the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (EHIF, or Tervisekassa in Estonian). Insured patients benefit from a subsidy structure that can substantially reduce costs, whereas uninsured individuals pay the full market price for all medicines.

The EHIF reimburses a portion of the cost of prescription medicines that have been evaluated and placed on the list of reimbursed pharmaceuticals. Eligible medicines are available at a 50%, 75%, 90%, or 100% discount. The highest discount tiers apply to essential medicines used in the treatment of serious and chronic illnesses, as well as to particular groups such as old-age and incapacity pensioners.

For each reimbursed prescription medicine, the buyer pays a fixed prescription fee of €3.50 (as of January 2025). The EHIF discount is then calculated as a percentage of the remaining cost after this fee has been deducted, with the patient covering whatever portion is not funded by the discount. This fixed fee rose from €2.50 to €3.50 in January 2025. Always verify the most current figures on the EHIF website, as these amounts are subject to change.

The 100% discount rate is reserved for pharmaceuticals indicated for the treatment of serious, life-threatening, or epidemic diseases, or conditions causing severe pain. This full discount also applies automatically to all patients under the age of four.

An additional protection mechanism exists for those with high annual medication costs. A supplementary benefit is calculated on the basis of qualifying expenditure accumulated over a calendar year, and the €3.50 prescription fee is included in this calculation. If total annual eligible spending remains below €100, no supplementary benefit is payable; if it falls between €100 and €300, 50% of the amount exceeding €100 will be reimbursed (as of 2025). For full details on higher-tier reimbursement thresholds, consult the EHIF website.

Over-the-counter medicines are sold at full retail price to all customers, regardless of insurance status. OTC prices in Estonia are broadly in line with those in other EU member states. For expats without EHIF coverage, all prescription medicines — not just OTC products — are also at full cost, which can add up considerably for those managing ongoing conditions.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in Estonia?

If you are relocating to Estonia from another EU or EEA country, your prescription enjoys cross-border legal standing throughout the EU. A prescription issued by a doctor in one EU member state is valid in all other member states. That said, a medicine prescribed in one country may not be stocked under the same name or may not be available at all in another — which means the pharmacist may need to identify an equivalent product sold in Estonia under a different brand or trade name.

For those arriving from outside the EU, a foreign prescription does not carry the same automatic cross-border recognition. While individual pharmacists may exercise professional discretion, the most dependable course of action is to register with a local GP (family doctor) as soon as possible and have your prescription re-entered into the Estonian e-prescription system. This also ensures that any EHIF subsidies you are entitled to are applied correctly.

When bringing prescription medication into Estonia using an overseas prescription, you should carry an electronic display or printout of the electronic prescription, a copy of any paper prescription, or a doctor’s letter confirming the medical need — particularly if the medication has not previously been purchased from an Estonian pharmacy. Arriving with a supporting letter from your treating physician is always sound practice.

Estonia has also taken a leading role in establishing cross-border digital prescriptions within the EU. Estonian digital prescriptions are currently valid in Finland, Croatia, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Greece, Lithuania, Latvia, and the Czech Republic. If you are arriving from one of these countries and hold an active digital prescription, it may be directly accessible at Estonian pharmacies — check with your home country’s health authority or TEHIK (tehik.ee) for up-to-date guidance.

It is important to note that EHIF subsidies do not generally apply to prescriptions issued abroad. Patients using an Estonian digital prescription to purchase medicines outside Estonia pay the full price, and the same principle applies when a foreign prescription is used in Estonia without EHIF coverage.

Can I bring my medications into Estonia?

Bringing personal medication supplies into Estonia is generally uncomplicated, though the applicable rules vary according to the type of medicine involved. As both an EU and Schengen Area member, Estonia applies EU-wide medicines regulations alongside any specific national provisions. Before travelling, always review the latest guidance from the State Agency of Medicines (Ravimiamet), as regulations may be updated.

When travelling, it is strongly recommended to keep medicines in their original packaging. Original packaging protects against damage, moisture, and light — all of which can affect a medicine’s efficacy — and the label provides the name, composition, dosage, and manufacturer information. Retaining labelled original packaging may also be a requirement at customs or border controls.

You should carry an electronic display or printout of any electronic prescription, a copy of any paper prescription, or a doctor’s note confirming the need for the medication. For most standard prescription medicines, carrying a personal-use supply — typically up to 30 or 90 days’ worth depending on the medicine — together with your prescription or a supporting letter from your doctor is sufficient.

Different and stricter requirements apply to narcotic and psychotropic medicines. The specific rules depend on whether you are travelling within the Schengen Area or entering from outside it. A Schengen certificate for carrying such medicines can be obtained from any pharmacy in Estonia at a cost of €5, though this certificate is available only to individuals with permanent residence in Estonia, regardless of their citizenship. If you are arriving in Estonia with narcotic or psychotropic medication, consult the Ravimiamet guidance and your home country’s customs authority before departure.

In some cases, a permit from the Estonian Agency of Medicines must be obtained in advance, or a Schengen certificate from a pharmacy is required for certain medicine categories. If there is any uncertainty, contact the State Agency of Medicines directly before you travel.

How do expats access prescription medications through health insurance in Estonia?

Access to subsidised prescription medications in Estonia is closely linked to eligibility for coverage under the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (EHIF). Estonia’s healthcare system encompasses both a public tier and a private sector. EHIF coverage is granted to individuals who hold an employment contract in Estonia and whose employer pays social tax on their behalf. A number of other groups also qualify, including students, registered unemployed persons, and children. The full eligibility criteria are published on the EHIF website (tervisekassa.ee).

For those who are EHIF-insured, the system functions seamlessly at the pharmacy counter. Because the e-prescription system is connected to the national health insurance fund, any reimbursement entitlements are automatically identified and applied when you collect your medicine — no extra paperwork is required at the point of purchase. Your subsidy entitlement is linked directly to your personal identification code.

EU and EEA visitors or short-term residents holding a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access medically necessary healthcare and certain prescription subsidies during their stay. When a valid EHIC is presented, EHIF covers the costs of necessary medical treatment directly with the provider. Patients are still required to pay applicable deductibles for consultations, inpatient days, and pharmaceutical co-payments at local rates.

All expats holding a temporary residency permit in Estonia must have some form of insurance cover. If EHIF does not cover you, you are required to take out a policy with a private insurer. Private health insurance plans differ considerably in their scope — some include prescription medication reimbursement up to a defined annual ceiling, while others are limited to hospitalisation cover. Review your policy carefully and confirm with your insurer exactly what outpatient prescription costs are included.

Expats who fall outside both EHIF and private insurance — for example, self-employed individuals who are not yet registered in the system, or digital nomads on short-term visas — will pay the full market price for all prescription medicines. Estonia also has private doctors, clinics, and hospitals that operate without agreements with EHIF; treatment at such providers must be paid for in full, and no reimbursement is available through the Estonian system. For those managing ongoing or expensive medication regimens, this is an important financial consideration when planning a move to Estonia.

How do I fill a prescription in Estonia? Step-by-step guide

1. See a doctor. Visit your family doctor (perearst) or a specialist. Both can issue digital prescriptions. You can find a GP via the EHIF website or the 1220 health information line.
2. Prescription is sent electronically. The doctor completes an online prescription form using dedicated software and transmits it directly to the national prescription centre. In the great majority of cases, you will not receive any paper document.
3. Go to any licensed pharmacy. You can visit any apteek in Estonia — you are not tied to a particular branch. Licensed online e-pharmacies are also a valid option.
4. Present your ID and personal identification code. Bring an identity document bearing your photograph and personal identification code, such as an ID card, driving licence, or passport.
5. Pharmacist retrieves your prescription. Using your personal identification code, the pharmacist looks up all relevant prescription information directly from the prescription centre.
6. Choose your medicine. The system displays all medicines containing the prescribed active ingredient, ranked by price. The pharmacist is legally required to recommend the most affordable options first, though you may request a specific brand if one is available.
7. Pay at the counter. If you are covered by EHIF, your subsidy is applied automatically. You pay the €3.50 prescription fee plus any remaining co-payment. Patients without insurance pay the full retail price.
8. Check your health portal. Log in to terviseportaal.ee to review your prescriptions, monitor dispensing history, and adjust your prescription privacy settings.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication before I have registered with a GP in Estonia?

If you exhaust your medication supply before you have a local family doctor in place, several options are available. You can attend a private clinic or walk-in medical service, where a physician can issue a new digital prescription — bear in mind that without EHIF coverage you will pay the full cost. Telehealth platforms holding an Estonian licence can also connect you with a doctor remotely and issue an e-prescription. In a genuine emergency, proceed to the nearest emergency department (erakorraline meditsiiniabi). The 1220 health advice line can provide guidance on your nearest appropriate service.

Are brand-name drugs available in Estonian pharmacies?

Yes, branded medications are generally stocked in Estonian pharmacies, although pharmacists are legally obligated to draw your attention to lower-cost generic alternatives. The pharmacist is required by law to recommend the most affordable option first and can also see which brand the patient has previously chosen to purchase. If you prefer a specific brand, you are entitled to request it, though you may pay a higher price if that product exceeds the relevant reference cost.

Can I find an English-speaking pharmacist in Estonia?

English proficiency is widespread among pharmacy staff in Tallinn, Tartu, and other sizeable urban centres — particularly among younger pharmacists. In more rural locations, English may be harder to find. Major chain pharmacies such as Apotheka and Benu Apteek are a good starting point if you need assistance in English. You can also help yourself by using the International Non-proprietary Name (INN) of your medication, which remains consistent across countries regardless of brand or local language.

What happens in a medical emergency involving medication?

In any medical emergency, dial 112 — the pan-European emergency number — to request an ambulance. Estonian hospital emergency departments are obligated to treat patients irrespective of their insurance status, although uninsured patients may receive a bill for treatment that is not considered an emergency. Necessary emergency medication will be administered as required. Once the emergency has been resolved, a hospital physician can issue an e-prescription for any ongoing medication needs.

Can I order prescription medications online in Estonia?

Yes. Digital prescriptions can be used to purchase medicinal products from all Estonian pharmacies and e-pharmacies. Licensed online pharmacies are subject to oversight by the State Agency of Medicines. To protect yourself from unlicensed sellers, only purchase from pharmacies that display the official EU Common Logo — a clickable badge that links directly to the national registry of authorised pharmacies. Home delivery is available.

How do I manage a long-term or chronic condition requiring regular medication?

Registering with a family doctor (perearst) should be your first priority upon settling in Estonia. Your GP can issue repeat prescriptions, enabling you to collect medication on multiple occasions without returning for a new appointment each time. A three-use prescription remains valid for six months, and a six-use prescription for a full year. Medicines for chronic conditions frequently qualify for the highest EHIF discount rates — 90% or 100% — which can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket expenditure.

Does the EHIF supplementary benefit protect me from very high annual medication costs?

Yes. The supplementary benefit covers expenses incurred on medicinal products that carry an EHIF discount. Spending on over-the-counter medicines or prescription drugs that fall outside the EHIF discount list is not counted. The benefit becomes payable once your annual qualifying out-of-pocket expenditure on eligible discounted medicines surpasses €100, with increasing support at higher spending levels (as of 2025). Current thresholds and higher-tier reimbursement rates are published at tervisekassa.ee and are reviewed periodically.

What documentation should I bring when first visiting an Estonian pharmacy with an overseas prescription?

You should bring your prescription document — whether a paper original, a printed copy, or a digital display — along with a doctor’s letter explaining your medical condition and the need for the medication (this is especially important for controlled substances). Also bring your passport or another form of photo ID, and your European Health Insurance Card if applicable. For EU prescriptions, the original document issued in the prescribing country generally contains sufficient information for cross-border use. For prescriptions from outside the EU, the most reliable approach is to register with a local GP and have the prescription re-issued within the Estonian e-prescription system.