Which EU Countries Accept Latvian e-Prescriptions and Access Health Data
Latvia's Digital Health Centre has compiled a list of European Union countries where Latvian e-prescriptions can be used. The information is timely as Latvian schoolchildren begin their autumn break next week and many families are travelling.
The Latvian Digital Health Centre (LDVC) has published an overview of the European Union (EU) countries where e-prescriptions issued in Latvia can be used, and where healthcare institutions can access basic health data of Latvian patients from the E-health system. The information is timely because the autumn break for schoolchildren in Latvia begins next week, and many families are already heading abroad this weekend. The details were provided by LDVC representative Zane Gorškova.
Where e-prescriptions are valid
Medicines can be bought with a Latvian e-prescription in countries that exchange e-prescription data with Latvia. So far these are the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Poland, Finland and part of Spain. Citizens of these countries can likewise buy their medicines in Latvian pharmacies.
At the pharmacy, a person must say they are a Latvian resident and show an identity document: a passport or eID card. Not every country offers split e-prescription dispensing. Where it is allowed, a smaller amount is handed over from a larger package together with the instructions for use, the e-prescription is marked with the quantity dispensed, and the remainder can be bought in Latvia.
What cannot be bought
In another member state it is not possible to buy medicines containing psychotropic or narcotic substances, medicines listed in free text on the e-prescription (for example, those made by a pharmacy to order), unregistered medicines, or prescriptions that name only the active substance.
If the prescription is for state-reimbursed medicines, the patient must pay for them personally abroad. After returning, they must write to the National Health Service to request a refund under the compensation rules in force in Latvia.
In countries where it is permitted, an authorised third party may use a relative's e-prescription, such as the parent of a minor child, a guardian or trustee, or a person to whom the patient has delegated rights in the E-health portal. Identification data of both the patient and the third party must be provided.
Exchange of basic health data
Latvia also exchanges basic patient health data, meaning certain diagnoses and information on surgical procedures in the previous six months. This takes place with the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland and Spain. With Finland and Croatia the exchange currently works in one direction only: data of their residents can be viewed in Latvia, while sending data of Latvian patients to them is planned to be introduced gradually.
The exchange is based on Directive 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare. Data exchanges are recorded in audit logs of the E-health system. More information is available in the "Cross-border E-health services" section of the LDVC and E-health platform websites, or by calling the E-health user support line at 67803300.
