EU Reforms Aim to Equalize Access to Medicines Amidst Growing Medical Tourism

From France to Spain, Bulgaria to Turkey, and Lithuania to Belarus, medical tourism – the practice of traveling to another country to obtain medication – is a growing reality across Europe. This trend is driven by factors ranging from shortages of specific medicines to the pursuit of lower costs. However, recent European Union reforms, sparked by a case originating in Poland, are poised to address disparities in access to medicines across member states.

The Rise of Medical Tourism in Europe

The essential role of medicines, from preventative vaccinations to advanced treatments, in extending and improving lives is undeniable. Despite this, concerns about access and availability persist. Differing regulations and price variations within the EU contribute to the phenomenon of medical tourism. Even accounting for travel and shipping expenses, prices can be significantly more favorable in certain countries, particularly for medications that are demanding to find elsewhere.

Examples of Cross-Border Medication Seeking

In 2017, Spanish media reported instances of French citizens traveling to Spain to purchase tyrothricin, an antimicrobial peptide antibiotic available over-the-counter in Spain but banned in France. Conversely, Spaniards sought tick-borne encephalitis vaccines in France when they were unavailable in Spain.

Bulgaria has experienced chronic shortages of certain medicines, leading some citizens to travel to neighboring Greece, Turkey, and Serbia to obtain necessary medications, including those for epilepsy, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Bulgarian media also report increased purchases of common medications like hypertension drugs, painkillers, and antivirals in Turkey due to lower prices.

Lithuanian citizens, particularly those living near borders, frequently obtain medicines from Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus. In some cases, this is driven by lower prices, and, in others, by a belief that medications from Belarus are more effective.

According to the Polish Patients Ombudsman, individuals requiring long-term medication can transport it across borders for personal medical use, provided they can verify the medication’s origin and necessity.

EU Court Ruling and the Pharmaceutical Package

A landmark ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union on June 19, 2025, challenged Poland’s 14-year ban on pharmacy advertising, deeming it a breach of EU law. The court argued that a complete prohibition restricts the freedom of establishment and the free provision of services within the EU’s single market.

Recognizing the need to harmonize access to medicines, EU authorities are implementing the most significant reform of EU medicine law in two decades – the EU Pharmaceutical Package. The goal is to create a single market for medicines that ensures equal and timely access to affordable and safe medicines for all EU patients, addresses medicine shortages, and enhances supply security.

However, the tangible effects of the Pharmaceutical Package, such as reduced waiting times or changes to patent protection, are not expected to be felt until at least 2028.

Key Takeaways

• Medical tourism is increasing in Europe due to medicine shortages and price discrepancies.
• A recent EU court ruling challenges blanket bans on pharmacy advertising.
• The EU Pharmaceutical Package aims to create a more unified and accessible medicine market.
• Full implementation of the reforms is expected to accept several years.