Prescription in Poland without PESEL: how to get online and use in other EU countries

Many immigrants and expats in Poland face the question: can you get a prescription without a PESEL number? Answer: yes, it's possible! To get a prescription in Poland, you only need an identity document.

Prescription without PESEL — it's legal

According to Polish health care legislation, a doctor can issue a prescription to a patient using any official identity document:

Passport
ID card from any EU country
Residence permit (karta pobytu)
Other official documents with a photo

PESEL is not mandatory for issuing a prescription. This is a common mistake — many people think that without PESEL it's impossible to get medical care in Poland, but that's not true.

Online consultation at 103telemed

At 103telemed you can get a prescription online without needing PESEL. The process is simple:

Book an online consultation with a doctor
Show your passport or other ID during the video call
Receive an electronic prescription to your email
Fill the prescription at any pharmacy in Poland

The whole process takes 15-30 minutes. 103telemed doctors speak Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish.

Cross-border prescriptions in the EU

One of the main advantages of getting a prescription in Poland is the ability to use it in other European Union countries.

EU Directive on Patient Rights

According to Directive 2011/24/EU on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare, prescriptions issued in one EU country can be recognized in other member states.

How it works:

A prescription issued by a Polish doctor can be filled in pharmacies in Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands and other EU countries
A pharmacist in another EU country should recognize the prescription if it contains the necessary information
Not all medicines are available in all countries, but most common drugs can be found

Official information on cross-border prescriptions

The European Commission provides official information on cross-border healthcare, including prescription issues.

Also useful: Your Europe — Prescriptions and medicines

What do you need to fill a prescription in another EU country?

Original electronic or paper prescription from a Polish doctor
Identity document (passport, ID card)
Prescription number and doctor's details, which should be on the prescription

Some pharmacies in other EU countries may ask for confirmation or additional information, but under EU law they are required to recognize Polish prescriptions.

Benefits of getting a prescription at 103telemed

✅ No PESEL needed — passport is enough
✅ Online consultation — no need to go to a clinic
✅ Fast — prescription in 15-30 minutes
✅ In your language — doctors speak your language
✅ Valid in EU — can be used in other countries
✅ Legal — in accordance with Polish and EU law

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a prescription if I'm not in Poland?

Yes, online consultation is available for patients in all EU countries. You can be in Germany, France or another country and get a prescription from a Polish doctor.

Do I need Polish insurance?

No, for a private consultation at 103telemed insurance is not required. You pay directly for the service.

What medicines can I get on prescription?

Polish doctors can prescribe most common medicines: antibiotics, contraceptives, drugs for chronic diseases, etc. Narcotic and psychotropic substances have special restrictions.

How much does a consultation cost?

A doctor's consultation at 103telemed costs from 139 PLN (about 30-35 euros). This includes issuing a prescription.

Conclusion

Getting a prescription in Poland is possible without PESEL — you just need an identity document. Online consultation at 103telemed makes the process fast and convenient, and EU cross-border prescriptions allow you to use the prescription in other member countries.

If you need a prescription but don't have PESEL or you're in another EU country — contact 103telemed for an online consultation.

Book a consultation: 103telemed.com

Sources:

Prescription in Poland without PESEL: how to get online and use in other EU countries