Gibraltar – Prescriptions and Medications

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

In everyday speech, Gibraltar residents use the word “chemist” when referring to a pharmacy. The illuminated green cross displayed outside these establishments is the most reliable way to identify one — a symbol widely recognised across Europe and beyond. You may also encounter the word “pharmacy” or, given Gibraltar’s geographic closeness to Spain, “farmacia” on certain shopfronts.

The GHA commissions 21 community pharmacies to serve both the resident population and visitors to the territory. Among the most well-established is Calpe Pharmacy, which has been in operation since 1919 and maintains several branches along Gibraltar’s famous Main Street. The territory’s compact size means pharmacies are distributed conveniently throughout, and locating one is rarely a challenge.

Gibraltar has a wide selection of pharmacies spread across the territory, including one within Morrison’s supermarket, so obtaining medication is generally straightforward for residents and visitors alike. The green cross — whether rendered in neon or LED lighting — remains the clearest visual indicator, consistent with how pharmacies present themselves throughout much of continental Europe.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Gibraltar?

Standard pharmacy opening hours in Gibraltar are typically 9:00am to 6:00pm on weekdays and 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturdays. Some pharmacies may extend their hours or open on Sundays. It is always worth confirming your local pharmacy’s schedule in advance, particularly if you have an urgent need for medication.

Gibraltar covers just 6.8 square kilometres, which means that unlike larger nations where people in remote areas may struggle to reach a pharmacy, geographic access here is essentially a non-issue. Every resident is within easy reach of pharmaceutical services, and there are no meaningful regional disparities to navigate.

For times outside normal operating hours, a duty pharmacy rota guarantees that urgent medication requirements can still be addressed. Pharmacies on duty operate Monday to Friday from 19:00–21:00, and on weekends and public holidays from 11:00–13:00 and 18:00–20:00. The GHA keeps an up-to-date duty rota on its website at gha.gi/duty-pharmacy, allowing you to check which chemist is available at any given time. This arrangement is comparable to the rota systems used across Spain and many other European nations.

The rotation of after-hours responsibilities between pharmacies ensures that essential medicines remain accessible at all times. If you are a visitor who requires emergency medication, the pharmacy at St Bernard’s Hospital is your most reliable port of call.

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

The majority of medications in Gibraltar are available without a prescription. Analgesics, antihistamines, cold and flu remedies, antacids, and various topical preparations can all be purchased freely at any chemist. Expats frequently note that the range of medicines available in Gibraltar — both over the counter and by prescription — can be broader than what is accessible just across the border in Spain.

Prescription-only medicines are governed by the Gibraltar Medicines Authority, whose role is to confirm that all such drugs meet standards of safety, efficacy, and quality. These medications may only be dispensed upon receipt of a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner, whether a doctor or, in certain circumstances, a qualified pharmacist. This framework closely mirrors the classification systems used in the UK and across Europe, where a medicine’s risk profile determines whether it falls into the OTC or prescription-only category.

Those new to Gibraltar should bear in mind that the classification of specific medicines can vary between countries. Something freely available over the counter in your home country may require a prescription in Gibraltar, and the reverse can also be true. Your pharmacist is the best person to consult if you are unsure about the status of a particular product. The GHA also maintains a formulary — a consolidated list of approved medicines and dressings — which is designed to ensure that medications requiring specialist input are only initiated by an appropriate clinician.

Purchasing medications online is permitted in Gibraltar, but you must exercise care to use only reputable, properly licensed websites. Verify that any online medication is genuine and carries approval from the Gibraltar Medicines Authority. Several local pharmacies, including Family Pharmacy and Calpe Pharmacy, provide prescription collection and delivery services, which offers added convenience for those with limited mobility or demanding schedules.

How does the prescription system work in Gibraltar?

As a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar delivers primary, secondary, and mental health services through the GHA, using a model with close similarities to the British National Health Service. Anyone already familiar with the NHS will find the prescription system broadly recognisable, though a number of local particularities are worth understanding before you begin.

Upon registering with the GHA, patients are assigned a General Practitioner based at the Primary Care Centre. It is possible to request allocation to a particular GP, and appointments can be arranged by telephoning the Primary Care Centre. A GP referral is necessary before accessing a specialist consultant. Both GPs and consultants have the authority to issue prescriptions.

A repeat prescription service has been introduced at the Primary Care Centre, enabling patients to obtain repeat supplies of established medications without always requiring a new appointment. You bring your prescription to the Repeat Prescription Desk at the Main Counter of the Primary Care Centre and request your medicine. These repeat prescriptions are ordinarily ready to collect within 48–72 hours. Should your GP need to see you prior to renewing a prescription, the desk clerk can arrange the next available appointment.

The Prescription and Pricing Advisory Unit (PPAU), situated within the Primary Care Centre, oversees the management of issued prescriptions and the reimbursement of medicines dispensed by community pharmacies. In addition, the PPAU can provide medication to patients with chronic conditions to bridge gaps between GP appointments, help resolve issues arising from prescription errors or omissions, source specific medications for service users, and respond to general prescription-related queries. Its opening hours are 9:00am–12:30pm and 1:30pm–3:00pm.

Unlike several other countries where electronic prescribing now dominates, Gibraltar employs a combination of paper-based and digital processes. Historically, community pharmacy prescriptions were handled through a largely manual workflow, in contrast to the NHS Prescription Services model, which relies on high-speed scanning and intelligent character recognition. The GHA has been working to enhance the speed and accuracy of its local processing system.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in Gibraltar?

The amount you pay for medication in Gibraltar is closely tied to your registration and entitlement status. The GHA delivers broad public healthcare through the Group Practice Medical Scheme (GPMS), which provides registered residents and workers with free or heavily subsidised access to healthcare. Coverage under the GPMS encompasses primary care consultations, specialist appointments, hospital treatment, emergency services, maternity care, and prescribed medicines.

GPMS members pay a co-payment for each prescription item rather than the full market price. Entitled persons and their dependants can access healthcare without charge, with medicines available at a cost of £5 per item, capped at a maximum of £15 per prescription (as of 2025). It is advisable to confirm the most current figures directly via the GHA registration pages, as these amounts are subject to periodic revision.

Dental treatment and prescribed medicines are provided free of charge to Gibraltarian students, pensioners, and people with disabilities. This protection for vulnerable groups is a defining characteristic of the system, broadly comparable to the prescription charge exemptions offered by the NHS in England to those over 60, individuals with certain medical conditions, and people on low incomes.

For expats who fall outside the GPMS — whether because they have not yet registered or do not currently qualify — prescription costs are generally met out of pocket, though certain medications may still attract GHA funding, particularly for those managing chronic illnesses or disabilities. It is sensible to confirm coverage with the Health Authority before purchasing a specific medicine.

As a rough guide to OTC pricing, older published data indicated that a packet of branded cold medicine cost approximately £2.43 and a course of antibiotics around £2.50, though these figures are from earlier years and should be regarded only as a general indication. Speak directly with your pharmacist for accurate current pricing on any OTC product.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in Gibraltar?

This is among the most frequently raised concerns for expats who have just arrived in Gibraltar. Local pharmacies are authorised to dispense prescriptions from both GHA and private practitioners. However, prescriptions originating from doctors registered overseas are not routinely accepted, and pharmacists will generally require a prescription issued or endorsed by a Gibraltar-registered medical professional before dispensing prescription-only medicines.

If you are enrolled in the GPMS, you are entitled to treatment at the point of delivery, including GP consultations. Accessing prescription medication means you must first register with a local GP. For expats arriving with existing medication requirements, the most practical course of action is therefore to register with the GHA and secure a GP appointment as promptly as possible after settling in.

When attending your first appointment, bring all relevant documentation relating to your current medicines: the original prescription, packaging showing dosage and instructions, and ideally a letter from your previous doctor summarising your treatment history. The GHA may need to contact your overseas doctor or liaise with the relevant department within the GHA before issuing a local prescription. This is standard procedure designed to safeguard the continuity and safety of your care.

If you are in Gibraltar temporarily and find yourself running short of a regular medication, the PPAU is equipped to provide medicines for chronic conditions to cover gaps between appointments and can assist with prescription queries. Some pharmacy teams include bilingual staff who can help with communication where required. For complex situations, contacting the GHA for guidance before you travel is the wisest approach.

Can I bring my medications into Gibraltar?

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory with its own customs arrangements. Whether you are arriving by air, sea, or overland from Spain, the rules governing the importation of medicines are broadly aligned with those in the UK, though you should always verify the current regulations before travelling, as they are subject to change.

For the majority of standard prescription and OTC medicines, travelling with a personal supply is unlikely to cause complications, provided you carry original packaging alongside a copy of your prescription or a supporting letter from your doctor. Keeping medications in their original, clearly labelled containers is strongly advisable, as this enables customs officers to verify the contents and cross-reference them with your documentation without delay.

Controlled substances — including powerful opioids, benzodiazepines, and certain stimulant medications — are subject to considerably stricter regulations. Travellers carrying narcotics or psychotropic substances are advised to familiarise themselves thoroughly with Gibraltar’s requirements for importing controlled medicines. The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) provides guidance on matters such as whether the medication needs to be declared at customs, what quantity limits apply, whether a special import permit is required, and what supporting documentation must accompany the medicine.

As a general principle adopted by many countries, carrying up to a three-month supply of personal medication is usually considered acceptable for travellers and newly arrived residents. However, rules vary by substance and situation, and certain medicines may face restrictions or outright prohibition. For the most current and specific guidance applicable to Gibraltar, contact the Gibraltar Government Health Department or the GHA directly before departure, especially if your medication includes any controlled substances.

Always travel with a letter on your doctor’s headed notepaper that states the generic name of each medication, your prescribed dosage, and the clinical reason for your treatment. This document is your most important asset when crossing any border with prescription medicines.

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

When living in Gibraltar, there are two primary routes to healthcare: enrolling with the public health service through the GHA, or taking out private medical insurance. Joining the GHA provides low-cost or free access to GPs, specialists, and emergency services. However, eligibility for this service depends on your official status in Gibraltar, your employment situation, and your social security contributions.

The Gibraltar healthcare framework rests on a contributory arrangement called the Group Practice Medical Scheme (GPMS), through which entitled individuals and their dependants can access healthcare services. Entitlement is principally governed by the Medical (Group Practice Scheme) Act, associated Regulations, the UK/Gibraltar Reciprocal Agreement, and EC Regulations 883/2004.

EU nationals holding a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may access GHA services, though obtaining public healthcare can prove more complicated for nationals of a range of other countries. For this reason, many expats opt for private medical insurance, which offers immediate coverage and avoids the additional paperwork and waiting involved in public registration.

Private healthcare in Gibraltar exists alongside the public system, typically offering faster access to certain services as well as enhanced comfort options. Several private clinics operate within the territory, concentrating mainly on outpatient care and specialist consultations. Many residents choose to maintain both GPMS registration and private insurance in parallel.

If you are treated by a private sector GP, prescription costs may be covered by your insurer or may need to be met personally. The extent of prescription coverage under any private policy varies considerably — you should review your policy documentation carefully to understand whether prescription costs are included and whether annual limits or co-payment requirements apply. The subsidised prescription rates available to GPMS members make GHA registration a clear financial benefit for those who are eligible.

Many community pharmacies in Gibraltar dispense both GHA and private prescriptions, meaning you can continue using the same pharmacy regardless of which system your prescription originates from. Expats who have not yet joined the GPMS and do not hold private insurance that covers prescriptions will generally pay the full private pharmacy rate for prescription medicines. Registering with the GHA as soon as you become eligible is therefore strongly advisable.

Step-by-step: How to get a prescription filled in Gibraltar as a new expat

1. Register with the GHA: As soon as you establish residency or take up employment in Gibraltar, register with the Gibraltar Health Authority. Registration entitles you and your dependants to access the GPMS and the associated subsidised prescription charges.
2. Book a GP appointment: Once registered, you will be allocated a GP at the Primary Care Centre. You may request a particular GP, and appointments can be made by telephone or in person.
3. Bring your medication history: Attend your first appointment armed with your existing prescriptions, original packaging, and any documentation from your previous doctor. This enables your new GP to continue your treatment without any break in care.
4. Obtain a local prescription: Your GP will issue a GHA or private prescription as appropriate. For medicines you take regularly, enquire about being registered for the repeat prescription service at the Primary Care Centre.
5. Collect repeat prescriptions: Submit your prescription at the Repeat Prescription Desk at the Main Counter of the Primary Care Centre. Repeat prescriptions are typically available for collection within 48–72 hours.
6. Visit a community pharmacy: Present your prescription at any of Gibraltar’s community pharmacies. Pay the applicable charge — £5 per item, up to a maximum of £15 (as of 2025) — or verify coverage with your private insurer if applicable.
7. Use the PPAU if needed: The Prescription and Pricing Advisory Unit at the Primary Care Centre handles prescriptions and reimbursements, and can supply medication for chronic conditions between GP appointments or help resolve any prescription-related queries.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication in Gibraltar?

The Prescription and Pricing Advisory Unit (PPAU) at the Primary Care Centre can supply patients managing chronic conditions with medication to cover gaps between GP appointments, and is also able to assist with sourcing medicines in urgent circumstances. If you are visiting rather than living in Gibraltar, the pharmacy at St Bernard’s Hospital is the best contact for emergency medication needs. In a medical emergency, dial 112 or 190.

Are brand-name medications available in Gibraltar, or only generics?

Both branded and generic medicines are available in Gibraltar, and the overall range is generally comprehensive. The GHA formulary determines which products are funded under the public scheme, meaning a GP may sometimes prescribe the generic version of a branded medicine. If there are clinical reasons why you require a specific branded product, raise this with your GP directly.

Can I find a pharmacist who speaks languages other than English?

Given that Gibraltar is a bilingual community where English and Spanish are both widely spoken, encountering bilingual pharmacy staff is generally straightforward. Many pharmacy teams can provide advice and answer questions in both languages. If you need assistance in a language other than English or Spanish, contacting a private clinic or the GHA ahead of time may help facilitate the appropriate support.

What happens in a medical emergency involving medication?

Gibraltar’s emergency services are well-equipped and highly responsive. The Accident and Emergency department at St Bernard’s Hospital operates around the clock, seven days a week. In any medical emergency, call 112 or 190. The hospital pharmacy can dispense urgent medications, and the on-call clinical team is able to communicate with overseas doctors where this is necessary.

Does Gibraltar have a pharmacy delivery service?

Yes. A number of community pharmacies in Gibraltar provide home delivery services. Calpe Pharmacy offers prescription collection and delivery for those with limited mobility or busy schedules, and Family Pharmacy, situated in the centre of Gibraltar, also runs a home delivery service. Contact your preferred pharmacy directly to confirm current delivery coverage and any applicable charges.

Is medical cannabis available in Gibraltar?

Gibraltar has legalised medical cannabis; however, it is dispensed exclusively through the pharmacy at St Bernard’s Hospital and is restricted to the treatment of a defined set of conditions, including life-threatening pain, Multiple Sclerosis, severe epilepsy, muscle spasms, and side effects arising from chemotherapy. It is not available for general purchase and requires authorisation from a specialist.

Will my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover prescriptions in Gibraltar?

EU nationals holding a European Health Insurance Card are able to access GHA services. The EHIC generally covers medically necessary treatment on equivalent terms to those afforded to local residents, rather than routine or ongoing prescription provision. For extended stays or residency, registering with the GPMS or arranging private health insurance is strongly recommended.

How do I find the current duty pharmacy in Gibraltar?

The GHA publishes its duty pharmacy schedule on its website, available at gha.gi/duty-pharmacy. Duty pharmacies are open Monday to Friday from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, and on weekends and public holidays from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The rota is updated on a regular basis, so always check online before travelling to a pharmacy after standard opening hours.