Monaco – Prescriptions and Medications

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

In Monaco, a pharmacy is referred to as a Pharmacie — reflecting the principality’s use of French as its official language. Newcomers accustomed to terms such as chemist, drugstore, or Apotheke will find the French designation on every sign and directory throughout Monaco.

The defining visual marker of a pharmacy is the illuminated green cross, typically displayed alongside the word “Pharmacie.” This symbol is shared across France and much of continental Europe, making it instantly recognisable to anyone with experience living in or visiting French-speaking or broader European countries. In Monaco, these crosses are generally lit using neon or LED technology, ensuring pharmacies remain easy to find even during the evening hours.

Beyond dispensing medicines, Monaco’s pharmacies offer an extensive range of health and wellness products, from beauty items and vitamins to homeopathic preparations and medical equipment. Many also provide services such as vaccination against seasonal influenza, travel immunisations, and support for managing chronic conditions. Pharmacists serve as accessible healthcare advisers and are an excellent first point of contact for minor ailments or questions about self-treatment.

The principality is home to 16 pharmacies in total, complemented by 10 industrial pharmaceutical companies, 1 wholesale distributor, 1 public and 2 private biomedical analysis laboratories, and 4 healthcare establishments, including the Princess Grace Hospital. For a territory of Monaco’s size, this represents an impressively dense distribution of pharmaceutical infrastructure.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Monaco?

Most pharmacies in Monaco operate Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and again from 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm. A small number may open on Sundays or public holidays, though with reduced hours. The midday break — a characteristic feature of French-influenced retail culture — can take new arrivals by surprise, particularly those who are accustomed to uninterrupted daytime trading.

To ensure that urgent medication needs are always met, one of the 16 pharmacies is on duty each night and every Sunday. This rotating rota guarantees round-the-clock access to essential medicines, even though individual branches follow their standard timetables the rest of the time. The duty pharmacy changes on a weekly basis.

To identify which pharmacy is currently on duty and which doctor is available out of hours, call 116 117 — a free telephone line provided by the Prince’s Government of Monaco. This number covers weekday evenings, weekends, and public holidays and is the most dependable way to obtain this information at short notice.

The on-duty service operates weekends from Saturday from 7 am to midnight and Sunday from 7 am to midnight, on weekdays from 8:00 pm to midnight, and on public holidays from 7:00 am to midnight. Current on-duty schedules are also published on the Monaco government’s official portal at en.gouv.mc.

When a pharmacy is closed, staff often leave a notice on the door directing customers to the nearest open outlet. While this is a helpful local custom, dialling 116 117 is the more reliable approach — especially late at night or during public holidays. Because Monaco is a single, compact urban territory rather than a country with regional variation, pharmacy provision is consistently distributed across the principality.

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

Certain medicines in Monaco are available without a prescription, while others can only be obtained with a valid document issued by a licensed doctor. Monaco’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework aligns closely with the French system, which has traditionally kept a broader category of medicines behind the dispensing counter — requiring direct pharmacist involvement — compared to many other countries.

The laws in Monaco are strict concerning prescription-only drugs, which must be obtained exclusively through a valid prescription from a qualified medical practitioner. Medicines that may be purchased freely elsewhere — including particular antihistamines, stronger analgesics, or hormonal treatments — may fall into the prescription-only category in Monaco. It is always advisable to check before assuming a product is freely available.

All pharmacies dispense prescription medications, supply over-the-counter medicines and cosmetics, and offer guidance to support safe treatment. Pharmacists are clinically trained professionals who are well placed to suggest appropriate non-prescription options, propose generic alternatives, or advise when a formal medical consultation is required before a medication can be issued.

Medicines may also be ordered online in Monaco through authorised pharmacy websites, though it is essential to verify the legitimacy of any online outlet before proceeding. As with France and other EU-adjacent jurisdictions, only pharmacies holding legal authorisation and displaying a recognised verification mark may lawfully sell medicines online. Acquiring prescription medicines from unregistered online sources is illegal and carries significant health risks. The official Monaco government portal provides guidance on authorised online dispensing services.

How does the prescription system work in Monaco?

Obtaining prescription medication in Monaco requires a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner. Prescriptions are generally issued electronically, with the document transmitted directly to the chosen pharmacy. This electronic prescribing model — comparable to the e-prescription systems used in France and increasingly elsewhere in Europe — simplifies the process and helps prevent errors and misuse.

All prescriptions must be written in French, in keeping with Monaco’s official language requirements. Should a prescription arrive in another language, it will need to be rendered into French by a certified translator before it can be acted upon. This is a particularly relevant consideration for expats who arrive with existing documentation issued in their home country (see the section on home-country prescriptions below for further guidance).

Each prescription carries a validity of six months. Unless you are travelling outside Monaco, you may only collect the quantity of medication required for one month’s treatment at a time. This approach mirrors the French dispensing model and diverges from systems such as the NHS in England, where the quantity supplied per prescription may vary. The monthly dispensing limit fosters regular engagement with a prescribing doctor and supports ongoing medication review.

Both general practitioners (médecins généralistes) and specialists are authorised to issue prescriptions in Monaco. For reimbursement to apply, the prescribing practitioner must be contracted with one of Monaco’s social security funds. An electronic treatment form — the Feuille de Soins Électronique (FSE) — is completed by the doctor in a secure digital format and forwarded directly to the relevant fund for processing.

For a medicine to qualify for reimbursement under the CSM, it must be prescribed in accordance with the therapeutic indications specified for that medicine and appear on the approved list of reimbursable drugs. Medicines absent from that list require prior authorisation from the relevant Social Security Medical Advisor, which your practitioner must apply for on your behalf.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in Monaco?

In most cases, the patient settles the full cost directly with the doctor, laboratory, or pharmacy and subsequently seeks reimbursement — either wholly or in part — from the CSM. The standard reimbursement rate is 80% of the reference fee, meaning the insured person bears a 20% co-payment. This pay-first, claim-later model differs from systems such as the NHS, where prescriptions are issued at a fixed charge or free at the point of dispensing, but resembles the structure of the French Assurance Maladie scheme.

It is worth noting that not every prescribed medicine is eligible for reimbursement under the national insurance scheme. Reimbursement rates range from 15% to 100% of the sale price (as of 2025), depending on the individual drug, its therapeutic classification, and its inclusion on the official reimbursable medicines list. For current reimbursement rates, consult the Monaco Public Services portal or your relevant social security fund directly.

As a general rule, 80% of medical costs are reimbursed, with the insured person responsible for the remaining 20% co-payment. In certain circumstances — where the insured person qualifies for an exemption from the co-payment — reimbursement may reach 100%. Eligibility for exemptions is typically linked to serious or long-term medical conditions; your social security fund can confirm whether you qualify.

The out-of-pocket cost of medicines in Monaco is broadly comparable to prices in France, and is not necessarily elevated despite the principality’s generally high cost of living. As a point of reference, treatment for a common cold costs around €11, while a course of antibiotics is approximately €17 (figures cited from local sources as of 2025 — always verify current prices with pharmacies directly).

Pharmacists are permitted to substitute a branded medicine with a lower-cost generic equivalent — it is always worth asking whether this option is available, particularly for long-term or repeat prescriptions, as the savings can be meaningful over time.

When submitting a reimbursement claim, you will need to present your medical treatment form (feuille de soins) together with the prescription. The cost of each medicine is recorded on the feuille de soins. You must remove the adhesive stickers (vignettes) from the medication packaging and affix them to the designated section of the form — reimbursement will not be possible without them. Retain all pharmacy receipts as well, since these will be required as part of your claim.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in Monaco?

Monaco does not have formal prescription-recognition arrangements with most countries outside France. In practice, a number of medications may need to be re-prescribed by a locally registered doctor, and controlled substances are likely to be subject to regulations that differ from those of the country where the original prescription was issued.

Since all prescriptions must be written in French, a document issued in another language will need to be translated by a certified translator before it can be formally used. Even where a pharmacist might be willing to consider a foreign prescription, a French-language document will generally be required before any medication can be dispensed and before a reimbursement claim can be lodged.

The most practical approach for anyone arriving in Monaco with ongoing medication needs is to register with a local doctor promptly and obtain a fresh prescription issued within Monaco. Bring a thorough written summary from your home-country physician — setting out the international non-proprietary (generic) name of each medicine, your diagnosis, and dosage details — to share with your new GP. Many medicines available abroad are likely to exist in Monaco under different European brand names.

If you are registered with the CSM or another Monaco social security fund, a prescription from a contracted practitioner operating within Monaco is necessary for your medication to be eligible for reimbursement. A translated or countersigned foreign prescription alone is unlikely to satisfy reimbursement requirements, which is why registering with a local GP as soon as possible after arrival is strongly recommended.

Can I bring my medications into Monaco?

Monaco is a sovereign principality that operates within the French customs territory and maintains a customs union with France. This means that the broad framework of EU customs rules applies to goods entering Monaco. Personal-use quantities of medication are generally permitted, provided they are genuinely for personal use only. Monaco does not publish separate medication-specific customs restrictions distinct from the broader French customs framework.

In practical terms, anyone travelling to or relocating in Monaco with personal medicines should carry a supply appropriate to their immediate requirements — as a general guide, no more than a few months’ worth for non-controlled substances. Given that local dispensing rules normally limit purchases to one month’s supply at a time, this provides a useful benchmark for what constitutes a reasonable personal quantity.

Stricter requirements apply to controlled substances — such as opioid-based analgesics, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or certain psychiatric medications. In such cases, you should carry the original prescription, a letter from your prescribing doctor explaining the medical necessity in clear terms, and ideally a French translation of both documents. For travellers arriving from outside France, certain controlled substances may require an import authorisation or a Schengen narcotics certificate, obtainable from your home country’s competent authority.

Because customs regulations and controlled substance rules are subject to change, always verify the latest requirements with the Prince’s Government of Monaco and your own national customs authority before travelling with substantial quantities of medication.

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

All official residents of Monaco are entitled to access the public healthcare system and are required to hold an appropriate health insurance arrangement. A key point for expats to bear in mind is that Monaco is not a member of the European Union, and therefore EU reciprocal healthcare provisions do not apply in the same manner as they would between EU member states.

Employed and self-employed individuals are covered through the state health insurance system administered by the Caisse de Compensation des Services Sociaux (CCSS). This scheme provides contributors and their dependants with coverage spanning primary and specialist care, prescription medicines, dental treatment, and other health services. Enrolment is not automatic for employees — the employer is responsible for registering each new member of staff with the CSM. Once enrolled, the insured person receives a Monaco Social Security number and card, which are used for all subsequent reimbursement claims.

The step-by-step process for claiming medication costs through the CSM is as follows:

1. Visit a doctor contracted with the CSM and obtain a prescription in French.
2. Take the prescription and your social security card to a pharmacy. Pay the full cost of the medication upfront.
3. Take along your medical treatment form (feuille de soins). The price of your medication will be printed on it. Remove the stickers (vignettes) from the medication packaging and attach them to the feuille de soins.
4. Submit the treatment form with stickers, copies of receipts, copies of prescriptions, your address of residence, and your bank details (including IBAN and BIC) to your local social security fund or private insurer.
5. Await reimbursement, which will be confirmed and sent to your home address. Where practitioners use electronic transmission (télétransmission), the process is faster and paperwork is reduced.

Even with CSM coverage in place, many residents choose to supplement their protection with a mutuelle — a form of top-up insurance designed to bridge the gap between what the state reimburses and the actual costs charged by healthcare providers. A mutuelle typically extends cover to include hospitalisation, routine consultations, optometry, dental treatment, and audiology.

Those who are unemployed, lack an EHIC card, or have not made contributions to the French or Italian social security systems will need to arrange private health cover, except where emergency treatment is involved. Expats who are ineligible for the CSM — including retirees, self-funded individuals, or dependants not covered through an employed sponsor — should put comprehensive international private health insurance in place before arriving in Monaco. Given that the local system operates on a pay-upfront-and-reclaim basis, delays in reimbursement from a private insurer can cause real disruption, making prompt settlement a priority when selecting a policy.

In the event of hospitalisation, which would most likely take place at the Princess Grace Hospital — Monaco’s principal public hospital — all medication provided during the stay is free of charge. This offers important reassurance to those concerned about the financial impact of inpatient care. For authoritative and up-to-date information on reimbursement rates and eligible medicines, consult the Monaco Public Services portal or contact the Caisses Sociales de Monaco (CSM) directly.

Frequently asked questions about prescriptions and medications in Monaco

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

If you exhaust your supply of a prescribed medicine, your first step should be to contact a local GP, who can issue a new prescription in French. If this occurs outside normal surgery hours, call 116 117 (free of charge) to find out which pharmacy is currently on duty. For genuine medical emergencies, proceed directly to the accident and emergency department at the Princess Grace Hospital (Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace), which operates around the clock every day of the year.

Are brand-name medications available in Monaco?

Both branded and generic versions of most common medicines are stocked by pharmacies in Monaco, meaning you are unlikely to have difficulty sourcing your prescribed treatment. Pharmacists are permitted to offer a lower-cost generic alternative in place of the branded version — it is always worth asking whether this is possible, especially for long-term prescriptions. Where a specific brand is not held in stock, proximity to major French distribution networks generally allows pharmacies to obtain it at short notice.

Can I find a pharmacist who speaks a language other than French in Monaco?

Given Monaco’s large and diverse international population, English-speaking pharmacy staff are commonly encountered, and proficiency in other languages is by no means rare. That said, all official prescriptions and related paperwork must be in French, so preparing a bilingual written summary of your medication needs or bringing a certified translation in advance is a sensible precaution.

What happens in a medical emergency involving medication (e.g. an allergic reaction or overdose)?

In any medication-related emergency, go immediately to the A&E department of the Princess Grace Hospital, which provides urgent medical care to all patients at any hour of the day or night. For life-threatening situations, dial 15 (SAMU medical emergency service), 17 (police), or 18 (fire and rescue). It is good practice to keep a written record of all your current medications and any known allergies on your person at all times — this is especially valuable for those managing complex or long-standing conditions.

Do I need a prescription for contraceptives or common treatments like antibiotics in Monaco?

Because Monaco’s pharmaceutical regulations mirror the French model, antibiotics are prescription-only and cannot be purchased freely at the counter. Hormonal contraceptives similarly require a prescription in most cases. Over-the-counter access applies to mild pain relievers, cold and flu preparations, antihistamines, and topical treatments, though the range of self-selectable products may be more limited than in countries with less restrictive pharmacy regulations. Ask your pharmacist for specific guidance on what is available without a prescription for your particular need.

Is my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) valid in Monaco?

Monaco is neither an EU member state nor part of the European Economic Area, which means that EHIC and GHIC entitlements do not apply in Monaco in the same way they do within EU countries. Travellers and new residents should not rely on these cards for healthcare coverage in the principality and should instead arrange separate health insurance. Confirm the position with your card issuer before travelling.

What if my medication is not on Monaco’s list of reimbursable medicines?

Where a medicine falls outside the approved reimbursable list, prior authorisation from the relevant Social Security Medical Advisor is required — and it is your treating practitioner who must submit this application on your behalf. If authorisation is granted, the medication may still attract reimbursement. If it is refused, the full cost will need to be met from your own funds. Private supplementary insurance (mutuelle) may cover some or all of the cost of non-listed medicines; review your policy terms carefully to establish what is included.

Can I have medications delivered to my home in Monaco?

The Prince’s Government confirms that all pharmacies in Monaco are able to deliver medicines and related health products to patients at home. The availability of this service may vary depending on your location within the principality and whether the particular product is held in stock. Contact your local pharmacie directly to find out about current delivery arrangements and any conditions that apply.