English-Speaking Doctor Anywhere in Europe, by Video

Online doctor anywhere in Europe: common questions

Which countries can I book from?

Any country of the European Union, plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein (the European Economic Area). Patients already book from France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Croatia, Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Denmark, Estonia, Luxembourg, Malta and Cyprus. You need a phone or laptop and a good connection. Visits run every day from 07:30 to 20:30, Spain time (Central European Time).

Is it legal for a doctor licensed in Spain to see me by video in another EU or EEA country?

Yes. Under the EU rules on cross-border healthcare (Directive 2011/24/EU), telemedicine is treated as care provided in the country where the doctor is established. Dr. Yelamo practises under his Spanish licence (Nº Colegiado 484814280) and Spanish law. In an emergency, call 112, which works in every EU country.

Will a pharmacy in another EU country dispense a prescription from Dr. Yelamo?

Yes, as a rule. Article 11 of Directive 2011/24/EU requires EU and EEA countries to recognise and dispense prescriptions issued in another member state for a named patient, when the medicine is authorised there. You show the pharmacist the prescription document, printed or on your phone. The brand name may differ; the active ingredient is the same. A few medicines are excluded, such as those under special control, and the pharmacist applies local dispensing rules. Prescriptions are issued only if clinically indicated after a video assessment.

What can be handled by video while I travel?

Many common problems: a sore throat or cold, an upset stomach, urinary symptoms, a skin rash, insect bites, ear pain after swimming, a lost or forgotten regular medicine, and advice on whether you need to be seen in person. Children and pregnant patients can be seen too.

I've lost or run out of my regular medicine on holiday. Can you help?

Often, yes. Bring the box, a photo of it or your last prescription to the video visit. Where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation, Dr. Yelamo issues a prescription you can take to a local pharmacy in the EU or EEA. Controlled medicines, such as sleeping pills, strong painkillers, stimulants and gabapentinoids, are not prescribed online.

I'm skiing in the Alps or sailing in Croatia or Greece. Can you help?

For illness, yes: colds, sore throats, stomach upsets and similar problems can be assessed by video from a chalet, hotel or boat in harbour. Injuries such as a twisted knee or a suspected fracture need an in-person exam and often an X-ray, and you will be told so clearly. In an emergency, call 112.

I would normally see my own GP at home. Is this similar?

In many ways, yes. If you usually see your GP, huisarts, médecin traitant, Hausarzt, medico di base or médico de família, a video visit covers the same first questions: what is going on, what to do now and when to be seen in person. Have your medicine list and any recent reports ready. Consultations are in English or Spanish.

What is the value of a video visit, and can I claim it back?

A video visit is €50 for 15 minutes; a written eConsult starts at €30. You receive an itemised invoice. Many travel insurers accept it for a claim, and patients insured in another EU country can ask their own health insurer about reimbursement of care received abroad; French-insured patients use form S3125 with their CPAM. Questions about the visit are included for 7 days.

I'm insured in Germany. Will my Krankenkasse pay for a private video visit?

It may refund part of it, so ask first. People with German statutory insurance (GKV) can claim care received in another EU country from their Krankenkasse, up to what the same care would cost in Germany, minus an administrative deduction. Whether a private video visit qualifies is its decision; private and travel policies pay under your contract. You receive an itemised invoice and a written report. A prescription issued in Spain can be dispensed at a German pharmacy under EU rules, a few specially controlled medicines excepted. Visits are in English or Spanish, not German.

I'm from Ireland. Do the EHIC or the HSE cover a private video visit?

Usually not. The EHIC covers necessary public care in another EU country, not a private visit. The HSE Cross-Border Directive scheme is for planned care you are eligible for in the Irish public system, normally with a referral from a GP or consultant you see as a public patient. Most travellers claim a private visit from their travel or health insurance with the itemised invoice; check your policy first. A prescription issued in Spain can be dispensed at an Irish pharmacy under EU rules, a few specially controlled medicines excepted.

I'm insured in the Netherlands. Will my zorgverzekeraar reimburse the visit?

Possibly, up to Dutch rates. The Dutch basic insurance (basisverzekering) can pay for care abroad that is also insured in the Netherlands, but never more than the same care costs there; your policy and any travel insurance decide the rest. Ask your insurer first and send them the itemised invoice. A prescription issued in Spain can be dispensed at a Dutch pharmacy (apotheek) under EU rules, a few specially controlled medicines excepted. Visits are in English or Spanish, not Dutch.

I'm insured in Belgium. Will my mutualité or ziekenfonds reimburse the visit?

Ask your mutualité or ziekenfonds before you book. The EHIC is for public care, not a private visit. When you pay for care yourself in another EU country, Belgian sickness funds reimburse, if at all, only at Belgian rates and only for care that is reimbursable in Belgium. Send them the itemised invoice. A prescription issued in Spain can be dispensed at a Belgian pharmacy under EU rules, a few specially controlled medicines excepted. Visits are in English or Spanish, not French or Dutch.