🏥 Healthcare Overview

System: High-quality healthcare system funded through social security contributions. One main hospital (Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell) and several clinics. Uses 112 but is NOT an EU/EEA member.

Quality: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Excellent healthcare for a microstate. Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell is modern and well-equipped. For highly specialized procedures, patients are transferred to Barcelona or Toulouse. Many doctors trained in Spain or France.

💡 Medical Tourism

Andorra is known for affordable dental care and some cosmetic procedures. Prices are lower than France while maintaining high quality standards.

🏨 Hospitals & Clinics Near Tourist Areas

Recommended facilities for travelers — English-speaking staff available at most listed locations.

Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell 🗣️ English spoken

📍 Near: Escaldes-Engordany (near Andorra la Vella)

📞 +376-871-000

Main and only hospital. Modern facility with emergency department. English spoken by many staff. Handles ski injuries frequently.

💊 Pharmacy Guide

Access: easy

Hours: Pharmacies open 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm weekdays. Rotating 24-hour duty pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) system.

Prescription rules: Prescription required for antibiotics and most medications. EU/Spanish/French prescriptions generally accepted. Pharmacists can advise on OTC alternatives.

Available Over-the-Counter

  • paracetamol
  • ibuprofen
  • antihistamines
  • antacids
  • cold remedies
  • cough suppressants
  • sunscreen
  • throat lozenges

🗣️ Useful Pharmacy Phrases

💡 Handy phrases at the pharmacy

  • I need headache medicine: Necessito una cosa per al mal de cap
  • I have a stomachache: Tinc mal de panxa
  • I have allergies: Tinc al·lèrgies
  • Where is the nearest pharmacy?: On és la farmàcia més propera?
  • I need a doctor: Necessito un metge

💡 Tips

Well-stocked pharmacies throughout the country. Staff typically speak Catalan, Spanish, and French. Duty pharmacy info posted on all pharmacy doors. Medications may be cheaper than in France or Spain.

🏪 Pharmacy Chains You’ll See

Look for these storefronts:

  • Farmàcia Central — Independent pharmacy. Andorra la Vella center
  • Farmàcia Internacional — Independent pharmacy. Escaldes-Engordany, near Caldea

💊 Common OTC Medications by Local Brand

Knowing the local brand name makes asking for common over-the-counter medications much easier.

  • paracetamol/acetaminophen → Paracetamol / Gelocatil
    Widely available. Same brands as Spain.
  • ibuprofen → Ibuprofè / Nurofen
    Widely available OTC.
  • loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Fortasec / Imodium
    Available OTC at all pharmacies.

💉 Medications & Restrictions

Carry prescriptions and a doctor's letter for all medications. Documentation in Catalan, Spanish, French, or English is understood. Keep medications in original packaging.

Controlled / Restricted Substances

🚫 Watch out for these

  • 🚫 Cannabis/CBD products — Illegal in Andorra despite proximity to more liberal neighbors.
  • ⚠️ Strong opioids — Carry prescription and doctor's letter. Keep in original packaging.

🦷 Dental Care

Availability: Several private dental clinics with modern equipment. Popular for dental tourism from France.

Typical cost range: $50-200 USD for basic procedures, 30-50% less than France

High-quality dental care at lower prices than neighboring countries. Many dentists trained in Spain or France.

🦷 Dental emergency?

Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell has emergency dental services. Private clinics offer same-day appointments.

🛡️ Travel Insurance

⚠️ Strongly recommended

Average cost: $20-40/week

💡 Tip

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is NOT valid in Andorra — it is not in the EU/EEA. Private travel insurance is strongly recommended. Ski/winter sports coverage is essential if visiting for skiing.

📋 How to File an Insurance Claim

Hospital and clinics accept major credit cards. Obtain itemized receipts with diagnosis codes. EHIC is NOT valid — you must pay and claim from private insurance. Keep all documentation for reimbursement.

💵 Typical Out-of-Pocket Costs

Estimated cash prices (EUR):

  • Doctor visit (private clinic): $40-80
  • ER visit (no admission): $100-300
  • Overnight hospital stay: $200-500
  • Ambulance call-out: $100-300

Costs are moderate by European standards. Lower than France, comparable to Spain. Payment expected at time of service for tourists.

🚁 Medical Evacuation

Barcelona is about 2.5 hours by road. Helicopter evacuation available for ski injuries and emergencies. Transfer to Spanish or French hospitals is routine for complex cases.

Primary destination: Barcelona, Spain

Secondary destination: Toulouse, France

Typical cost band: $3,000-15,000

Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS — compare current quotes and policy terms before relying on any single provider.

💉 Vaccinations

Recommended

  • 🟡 Routine vaccinations
  • 🟡 Tick-borne encephalitis (if hiking in forested areas)

No special vaccinations needed. Standard European health precautions apply. Altitude sickness possible at higher elevations for sensitive individuals.

🚰 Water & Food Safety

✅ Tap water is safe to drink

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Andorra. Mountain spring water is excellent quality.

Food Safety Tips

Food safety standards are high, comparable to France and Spain. Enjoy local cuisine without concern. Restaurant hygiene is well-regulated.

🧠 Mental Health Resources

🆘 Crisis Line: 024 (Andorra mental health line)

International crisis support: Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 (US-based)

English-speaking therapists: Limited but available. Many therapists speak Spanish, French, and some English.

Mental health services available but limited for a small country. Telehealth may be the best option for English-speaking tourists needing support.

♿ Accessibility

Andorra has been improving accessibility but the mountainous terrain presents challenges.

Hospital accessibility: Hospital is fully wheelchair accessible with modern facilities.

Accessible transport: Public buses have some accessibility features. Steep streets in old town areas are difficult for wheelchair users.

💡 Accessibility tips

Ski resorts have adapted skiing programs. Request accessible rooms in advance. Cable cars and gondolas may have accessibility limitations.

🫁 COVID & Respiratory Illness

Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.

Mask policy: No mask mandates. May be requested in healthcare facilities.

Testing availability: Testing available at Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell and private clinics.

Follow the same precautions as for France/Spain travel.

🚨 Emergency Contacts

🆘 Emergency: 112 (general), 116 (police), 118 (fire), 116 (ambulance)

📚 Sources & References

Data compiled from official government health sources, WHO, and traveler-reported information.

⚠️ This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before traveling and verify current entry requirements with official sources.