Short answer: Within the EU, the MyHealth@EU infrastructure connects national eHealth services so that some countries can exchange two things: a patient summary, and ePrescriptions, which a pharmacy in another member state can dispense (eDispensation). It works only between countries that have joined the relevant service in both directions, so whether your prescription can be used abroad depends on where it was issued and where you are.
At a glance
| MyHealth@EU | The EU infrastructure that links national eHealth services |
|---|---|
| What is exchanged | Patient summaries and ePrescriptions, dispensed abroad as eDispensation |
| Condition | Both countries must have joined the service, in both directions |
| At the pharmacy | Your ID and, in some countries, a code or your consent |
| With the EHDS | All member states must join in stages, with set deadlines |
| Backup | A paper prescription with generic names, and your medication list |
How it works
Your doctor issues an electronic prescription in your home country. In a participating pharmacy abroad, you identify yourself as required there and consent to the pharmacy retrieving the prescription through the national contact points. The pharmacist sees it in their language, dispenses an equivalent medicine where national rules allow, and the dispensation is reported back. Some medicines, for example certain controlled substances, may be excluded.
What changes with the EHDS
The European Health Data Space regulation (in force since March 2025, applying in stages) makes cross-border exchange of patient summaries, ePrescriptions, lab results, imaging reports and discharge letters a common obligation over the coming years. Until then, coverage grows country by country. Our guide on medical data in the EU explains the rights involved.
In Anpheros
Anpheros keeps your medication list, with ATC codes and doses, in your record and in the International Patient Summary, which you can show a pharmacist or doctor abroad. It does not issue or transmit prescriptions. See the medication tracker.
Related pages
- RxNorm vs ATC
- EHR vs EMR vs PHR
- MyHealth@EU and the cross-border patient summary
- Germany's ePA and the Telematikinfrastruktur
- Poland
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my prescription in another EU country?
Sometimes. It depends on whether both countries take part in the MyHealth@EU ePrescription service.
What is MyHealth@EU?
The EU infrastructure connecting national eHealth services to exchange patient summaries and ePrescriptions between participating countries.
What does the EHDS change?
It makes cross-border exchange of key health data, including ePrescriptions, a common obligation over the coming years.
What should I carry when travelling?
Your medication list with active substances and doses, ideally in an international format such as the patient summary, plus enough medicine for the trip.
Try it in Anpheros Daily
Keep your whole medical record in Anpheros Daily and share it with any clinic by link or QR code.
How it works in the app →
Anpheros builds a medical record that the patient controls and can share with any clinic, on an HL7 FHIR R4 platform, based in the EU. These guides help you understand and organise your health; they do not replace your doctor.
About Anpheros →
AnpherosThe more you log, the clearer your record
Your health history in one place, under your control.
Free · Works in your browser · No card
