Published October 18, 2025
Autumn is when many newcomers register with a family doctor, update vaccinations, and bump into electronic prescriptions. If you've just arrived in Europe—or switched countries—here's a simple roadmap to register with a GP, get routine care, and avoid administrative hiccups.
You've just moved (or changed city/country) and need a family doctor, seasonal boosters (flu, COVID), and you're facing 'e-prescriptions.' The good news: across most of Europe, these steps are structured and quick—if you bring the right documents.
GP registration: some countries require a formal enrollment (online or form), others are looser. Typically needed: ID, proof of address, and—if available—your local health insurance number.
Seasonal vaccinations: autumn flu/COVID campaigns restart. Depending on age/risk, you'll be directed to a health center, an accredited pharmacy, or your GP.
Electronic prescriptions: more pharmacies read prescriptions via health card/app or QR code. Less paperwork, clearer history.
Reimbursements: the common idea is 'medically necessary care at local rates.' Depending on your status (local insured, posted worker, EHIC for temporary stays, private insurance), your out-of-pocket will differ. Keep invoices and pharmacy receipts/QRs.
Core docs: passport/ID, proof of address (lease, host attestation + host ID copy), proof of health coverage (or EHIC for temporary stays), bank details (IBAN) if reimbursements allow. See our banking guide for setting up local account details.
Health file: vaccination card (clear photo), current prescriptions, key medical history translated into English if possible (allergies, treatments).
Pick a practice: shortlist 2–3 nearby practices, check if they take new patients, note languages spoken.
E-Rx-enabled pharmacy: find one open late/weekends, confirm e-prescription and third-party billing if used locally.
Helpful apps: keep it light—your insurer's app/portal, any local vaccine scheduler, and secure storage for documents.
At home: assemble a single PDF with ID, lease, insurance number (or EHIC), and prescriptions.
At the clinic: ask to register as a regular patient. Fill the intake form (contact, brief medical history). Book a baseline check + vaccine update.
At the pharmacy: after the appointment, show the QR from your app/portal. The pharmacist dispenses, scans, and gives you a receipt with any co-pay.
For reimbursement: depending on the country, it's automatic (third-party billing) or you submit invoices (with IBAN).
• Arrive 10 minutes early at your first visit—front desk forms are common.
• Ask for a written summary (plain diagnosis + treatment schedule).
• If language is a barrier, ask whether the clinic uses a phone interpreter; or go with a trusted friend.
• Keep photos of each prescription and pharmacy receipt (handy for private insurers).
• Once registered, explore our complete healthcare guide for long-term coverage options.
Often yes for flu/COVID, depending on age and local rules. Check online or call: some pharmacies require appointments, others accept walk-ins.
Get a signed host attestation + a copy of the host's ID and, ideally, a recent utility bill in their name at the same address.
Use your EHIC (for temporary stays) or private insurer. Ask the clinic/pharmacy how to proceed and how to submit documents later for reimbursement.
For more practical insights on this topic, explore our related articles:
Conclusion: Registering with a GP, updating vaccines, and using e-prescriptions: by tackling them together, you're set for autumn and winter. Prep your documents, centralize them, and move step by step. You'll feel 'plugged in' to the local system—minus the stress.
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Jules Guerini is a European expat guide sharing practical, tested advice for navigating life abroad. From admin to housing to healthcare, he focuses on simple strategies that actually work. Contact: info@expatadminhub.com
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