Getting a private prescription online is a quick and discreet way to access the medication you need without the hassle of visiting a doctor in person. Thanks to telemedicine, you can now consult with a licensed doctor online and have your prescription sent to the nearest pharmacy or even delivered to your doorstep.
This option is a game-changer for people with packed schedules and for travelers or tourists who’d rather avoid the stress of finding a clinic and hoping to stumble upon an available doctor nearby. Online consultations ensure you receive professional medical advice and the right treatment, all from the comfort of wherever you are.
With online private prescriptions, managing your health while traveling has never been easier or more convenient!
What is a Private Prescription?
A private prescription is one that you pay for yourself, either out of pocket or through private medical insurance.
Unlike prescriptions provided under public healthcare systems, private prescriptions aren’t subsidized or covered by the government.
If you’re a tourist or traveler, it might not seem unusual to pay for private healthcare since you don’t contribute taxes in that country. However, you might be surprised to learn that many local residents also opt for private healthcare despite the added cost. Why? Because it offers shorter waiting times, greater flexibility, and easier access compared to public healthcare services.
Private prescriptions are usually issued by private doctors or specialists working outside the public healthcare system. While they give you access to a wider range of medications—sometimes including those not available through public healthcare—you’re responsible for covering the full cost of the medication.
It’s a flexible option if you need something specific, but it’s worth keeping in mind that the financial responsibility is entirely on you.
When You Might Need an Online Private Prescription?
In particular when traveling and you’re far from your regular doctor, is not uncommon to need to get a prescription. Here are some situations:
- You forgot to pack your medication while traveling.
- Your luggage, including your medication, has been lost or delayed.
- You’ve run out of medication unexpectedly while away from home.
- You require emergency contraception.
- You need to replace expired or damaged medication, such as an EpiPen or inhaler.
- You’re traveling in a remote area, and getting a consultation would cause significant delays.
Sometimes, all you need is a prescription. Other times, you might need an online consultation that leads to a treatment—and in turn, a private prescription. Online doctors commonly treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Allergy
- Asthma
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Bronchitis
- Cellulitis
- Chlamydia
- Cold Sores
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infection
- Eczema
- Flu Symptoms
- Gout
- Impetigo
- Insect Bite
- Pink Eye
- Rosacea
- Scabies
- Shingles
- Sinus Infection
- Sore Throat
- Strep Throat
- Swimmer’s Ear
- Tick Bite
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Yeast Infection
- And many others
Why a Private Doctor Might Be the Only Option for Travelers
Booking an appointment with an NHS doctor can be challenging, even for locals. For travelers, it might not even be an option. In many countries, public doctors—such as those working for the NHS—are not permitted to be paid directly by patients. Instead, they are paid through the hospital or outpatient clinic they work for, making access to their services more restricted for non-residents.
For travelers, opting for a private doctor isn’t just about flexibility (private doctors often offer same-day appointments) but also about accessibility. In many cases, seeing an NHS doctor and obtaining a private prescription simply isn’t possible for travelers.
While locals might also prefer private doctors for minor ailments—especially during weekends or outside regular office hours—more serious conditions often require public care due to the advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies available, particularly when a patient’s life is at risk.
How Private Prescriptions Online Work
Private prescriptions are issued by licensed physicians who operate outside the national healthcare system, allowing them to assist tourists and foreigners without restrictions.
Online private prescriptions are facilitated through a streamlined digital process that connects patients with qualified healthcare professionals. Patients start by providing details about their needs and symptoms, which the physician reviews. This is followed by a video consultation, where the doctor discusses the case and determines whether prescribing medication is appropriate.
If approved, the prescription is sent electronically, either directly to the patient or to a pharmacy of their choice. The pharmacy then dispenses the medication or arranges for its delivery to the patient’s specified address.
This system ensures quick and efficient access to necessary medications while adhering to regulatory standards and protecting patient confidentiality.
The Key Difference: In-Person vs. Online Private Prescriptions
When obtaining a private prescription in person, the process typically involves visiting a clinic or medical practice for a consultation with a healthcare professional. During this visit, the patient discusses their symptoms and medical history, and the doctor assesses the need for medication. If deemed necessary, the doctor issues a prescription, and the patient can clarify any immediate questions face-to-face.
However, for travelers or non-locals, finding a clinic with availability can be challenging.
Urgent care clinics are often crowded, with long waiting times, and public emergency rooms aren’t suitable for minor ailments—they’re reserved for life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, respiratory failure, or seizures.
On the other hand, acquiring a private prescription online offers a more accessible alternative. The process usually involves a video call with a doctor, allowing for a direct, face-to-face interaction. The doctor reviews the patient’s medical history and current symptoms, discusses their needs, and determines the most appropriate treatment. If necessary, the doctor issues an electronic prescription.
This online method provides the convenience of avoiding travel to a healthcare facility and the flexibility to get care quickly—ideal for those unable or unwilling to visit a doctor in person.
How can you get a private prescription online?
Getting a private prescription online is much easier these days!
First, you’ll want to find a reputable online healthcare service or pharmacy that offers consultations with qualified healthcare professionals.
Once you’ve chosen a service, you’ll typically need to fill out a health questionnaire or have a virtual consultation with a doctor. This step is crucial as it helps the doctor understand your medical needs and ensure that the medication is safe and appropriate for you. If the doctor decides that a prescription is necessary, they will issue one electronically.
From there, your prescription can be sent electronically, allowing you to easily fill it at a local pharmacy. It’s a convenient, secure option that saves you the hassle of visiting a clinic in person!
With Doctorsa, consulting a private doctor online and getting a prescription is incredibly easy. Simply visit doctorsa.com and fill out the intake questionnaire. You’ll answer questions like “When would you like to be seen?” and “What are your symptoms, and how can the doctor help you?”
The information you provide is anonymized and instantly shared with all available doctors. These doctors will respond with appointment offers, which you’ll receive via WhatsApp. You can then compare their price, bio, and reviews to choose the doctor that best suits your needs.
This entire process takes just a few minutes, and once you’ve selected a doctor, you can jump on a video call almost immediately.
During the consultation, the doctor will assess your symptoms and, if appropriate, issue an electronic prescription, which will be sent to you via email. From there, all that’s left is to visit the nearest pharmacy to purchase your medication. It’s quick, secure, and hassle-free!
Prescriptions Issued After an Online Private Consultation
Online private consultations for prescriptions are changing the game in modern healthcare, making it easier and faster for patients to get the medications they need. With just a few clicks, you can have a consultation and receive your prescription, often sent directly to your pharmacy of choice—saving you the hassle of an in-person visit.
This digital approach doesn’t just save time; it also boosts privacy and accessibility, especially for people living in remote areas or those who find it difficult to travel. It’s a solution that fits seamlessly into today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.
As telemedicine and digital health continue to grow, online private consultations are becoming a key part of healthcare, offering a convenient and efficient way to connect patients with the care they need.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
Doctorsa offers the highest level of confidentiality. All your information is completely anonymized and none of the contacted doctors will receive your full contacts unless you book an appointment with them. We also comply with the privacy regulation of the country we operate, providing built-in AES128/256 encryption to protect all data transmitted between you and the doctor.
Your data is secure and will only be used to assist you. During any consultation with a Doctorsa provider, your information will not be used for any purpose other than providing you with the best possible care.
We prioritize the privacy and security of all our users, including those who choose to create recurring accounts on Doctorsa. To safeguard your data, we employ trusted authentication methods.
How Much is a Private Prescription Online?
The cost of an online consultation on Doctorsa starts at just $20, but it ultimately depends on the doctor you choose.
Booking an online visit with Doctorsa is completely free—you won’t pay any extra fees for using the platform. Some doctors may charge slightly higher rates during late hours or nighttime consultations, but the fees are typically among the most affordable on the market.
If you’d like to use your insurance to cover your online urgent care visit, it’s easy. During checkout, you’ll be asked to provide your insurance carrier details along with your payment information. The consultation fee will be temporarily held while we verify your coverage. If your insurance is confirmed, the reserved amount will be released. If not, the held amount will be charged, and you’ll receive an invoice to request reimbursement directly from your insurance provider.
That said, our fees are so budget-friendly that you might find insurance unnecessary.
Please note that the consultation fee doesn’t include the cost of medication, which you’ll purchase directly at your chosen pharmacy.
Where is This Service Available?
Doctorsa is available across Europe, United Kingdom, Turkey, Mexico, Brazil, Thailand and Vietnam.
What is The Private Online Prescription Process?
- No sign-up or login required. Submit your request on doctorsa.com and briefly describe your needs—it takes just 3 minutes on average!
- Doctors receive your request instantly and respond with their availability within an average of 3-4 minutes.
- Choose the doctor you prefer based on their bio, reviews and price
- Make your payment online, and you’ll receive a link to start the video call directly in your browser—no app download required!
- Start your video consultation with the doctor.
- If appropriate, the doctor will prepare an electronic prescription at the end of the video call and send it to you via email or directly to your chosen pharmacy, depending on the country. The entire process typically takes about 20 minutes.
- Take the e-prescription to your nearest pharmacy, present it, and purchase your medication.
What Can I Expect From a Private Prescription Online?
After completing the intake form, simply confirm your contact details via WhatsApp or SMS. With just a few clicks, your request goes out to all available doctors. In minutes, you’ll start receiving appointment offers—some for immediate consultations, others within the hour, based on your preferences.
You’ll see these offers via WhatsApp or email, complete with all the key details: the doctor’s name and photo, reviews from other travelers, appointment time, and the visit cost. Some doctors may also include a message explaining how they can assist you and what information they might need. This helps you choose the provider best suited to your needs.
All doctors who send you an appointment offer have reviewed your description and are confident they can help. Once you select your preferred doctor, you’ll be prompted to complete the online payment. After that, you’ll receive a link to join the video call. This link opens right in your smartphone browser—Chrome or Safari are recommended—so there’s no need to download an app.
Before the call starts, our system will ensure your phone’s camera and microphone are enabled, both of which are required to enter the video room. However, you can still turn off your camera at any point if you’d like more privacy. During the consultation, the doctor will ask for a valid ID number (often a passport) and, when the consultation is complete, the call will end.
How Long Does it Take For My Online Private Prescription to Be Processed?
Usually, it takes about 20 minutes for the doctor to get your prescription ready after your consultation ends.
They’ll go over the notes from your video call and make sure the medicine they prescribe fits your specific health needs. The doctor also carefully checks for any possible drug interactions or issues based on what you discussed during the session. Once they’ve done all their checks, they’ll send the prescription electronically right to your chosen pharmacy or straight to you. This smooth process keeps the quality of care high and makes everything more convenient for you.
Collecting Your Medication
To collect your medication, simply visit the nearest open pharmacy and present the e-prescription along with your passport or a valid ID. In some countries, the prescription is sent directly to the pharmacy you selected, allowing you to pick up the medication seamlessly. Keep in mind that the cost of the medication is separate from the consultation fee paid to the doctor.
What do I need to do at the pharmacy?
Bring your prescription along with your passport or a valid ID to your appointment. After the consultation, you can easily reach your doctor through the messaging system for up to 7 days to address any doubts or questions you may have.
When Is a Private Prescription Online Not Possible?
Some medications can’t be prescribed through private online services due to safety and legal regulations. These include controlled substances like narcotics and certain psychotropic drugs, which require in-person consultations for proper monitoring and to prevent misuse. Medications that need close medical supervision, like those for complex or chronic conditions, are also typically not available online. Additionally, newer medications or those with a high risk of side effects might require face-to-face assessments to ensure they’re used safely and effectively.
What can’t be prescribed online?
- Narcotics (e.g. oxycodone)
- Stimulants (e.g. Adderall)
- Controlled substances (e.g. Xanax)
- High-risk medications (e.g. pregabalin)
- Medications requiring in-person diagnosis (e.g. Mounjaro)
Can I get a repeat prescription through a private prescription service?
When you’re traveling you’re far from your doctor and therefore you need to consider each consultation with a doctor as a new one. If you lose, finish or forget to bring your medication, the online doctor will not simply repeat the prescription but will ask you to provide information about your condition (e.g. past prescriptions, medical reports from your doctor, etc) and will provide a new prescription for the medication you’re already taking.
Private prescription services are all about keeping you safe and making sure the right medical protocols are followed. To do that, they need thorough documentation to confirm that the medication is necessary and appropriate for you. This process helps prevent misuse and ensures that any changes in your health are taken into account before issuing a prescription. So, when you use a private prescription service, be ready to share details about your medical history and any relevant documents. This helps ensure the prescription is tailored to your current health needs.
Is Doctorsa Only a One-Off Prescription Service?
A one-off prescription service allows patients to get a single prescription for medication without needing ongoing treatment or repeat consultations. This type of service is ideal for situations such as:
- A specific, one-time need for medication (e.g., antibiotics for an infection or emergency contraception).
- Traveling or being unable to access your regular doctor.
- Needing a quick solution for minor, self-limiting conditions.
In telemedicine, this typically involves a brief consultation with a doctor, either online or in-person, to assess your condition and decide if a prescription is appropriate. Once issued, the prescription can be filled at a pharmacy or delivered to you, depending on the service provider.
These services are convenient, flexible, and designed for patients who don’t require ongoing care or a long-term relationship with a doctor.
With Doctorsa, however, you have the option to build a relationship with a provider if you wish. For example, if you had a great experience with a doctor for a one-time issue like a urinary tract infection, you can return to their personal page and send a direct request for future consultations. This makes it easy to continue care with a doctor you trust.
What our users think
Doctorsa is one of the most reviewed urgent care online platforms on Trustpilot. Read Doctorsa reviews here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I need my prescription urgently?
Traveling exposes us very often to complex situations. For example our luggage is lost together with our prescription medication. Doctorsa can be your one-off prescription service. You can submit a request in the middle of the night and have a consultation in minutes with a licensed provider.
Are private prescribing services safe and legal?
Private prescribing services can be both safe and legal, provided they adhere to the regulations and standards set by healthcare authorities. It’s important to ensure that the service is registered and that the healthcare professionals involved are qualified and licensed. Many private services offer the convenience of online consultations and prescriptions, which can be a safe option when used responsibly. Always check reviews and verify credentials to ensure you’re choosing a reputable service.
Who do I contact if I have not received my prescription?
You have a 7-day free chat available with your doctor, allowing you to quickly reach out with any questions or to resolve any issues, such as not receiving your prescription.
Can a private prescription be sent electronically?
Absolutely, a private prescription can indeed be sent electronically! This convenient option allows your healthcare provider to send your prescription directly to your chosen pharmacy, making the process smoother and more efficient for you. No more worrying about losing paper prescriptions or making extra trips—everything is handled digitally, ensuring you get your medication without any hassle. Just make sure your pharmacy is set up to receive electronic prescriptions, and you’re good to go!
Are next-day appointments available?
Doctorsa lets you book an appointment within minutes of your request. You can quickly connect with a medical doctor via video call and receive the assistance you need. If you’re looking for a next-day appointment, it’s best to wait and send your request closer to the time you need care. This aligns with how virtual urgent care typically works, ensuring you see a doctor when you truly need assistance.
