Ways to Handle Cold Sores in Amsterdam

A Tourist’s Guide to Medical Care in Amsterdam

Online Consultations:

Great for minor but urgent issues that don’t need a physical exam, such as cold sores or related symptoms.

With Doctorsa you can connect with an English-speaking doctor via video call in just a few minutes, get medical advice and, if appropriate, receive an e-prescription that can be used at any pharmacy. No need to worry about office hours or holidays. Clear and upfront pricing: consultations start at €20, so tourists in Amsterdam needing treatment for cold sores can access affordable healthcare without surprises. Insurances accepted but not required.

Learn more about cold sores treatment online.

Hospitals in Amsterdam

For serious, potentially life-threatening issues that require immediate, specialized treatment, like breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, or head injuries. Non-urgent visits use up resources needed for emergency patients. ERs are for serious, life-threatening issues. Going there for something like cold sores adds to doctors’ workload and may take time away from those in critical need.

Important: The information provided here about hospitals is for general reference only. We recommend verifying current details, such as contact information, services, and hours of operation, before visiting. Please reach out directly to the hospital or consult their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Hospitals with Emergency Rooms in Amsterdam

OLVG (Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis) – West & East locations
Address: Jan Tooropstraat 164, 1061 AE Amsterdam and Oosterpark 9, 1091 AC Amsterdam
Access: The emergency departments at both OLVG West and East are open 24/7. You can arrive by ambulance or on foot, but walk-ins are expected to first contact your GP or the out‑of‑hours GP centre (HAP) at 088 00 30 600; a GP referral is preferred unless it’s a clear emergency.

Amsterdam UMC – Location AMC (Academic Medical Center)
Address: Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam
Access: The 24/7 emergency department (SEH) is located off Meibergdreef. Patients usually come via GP referral or ambulance, but direct walk-ins are accepted in acute, obvious emergencies. For non‑life‑threatening after‑hours care, first call your GP or the out‑of‑hours GP centre (Huisartsenpost) at 088 003 0600.

Ziekenhuis Amstelland – Spoedpost & Huisartsenpost
Address: Muiderstraatweg 1, 1081 TV Amsterdam (Amstelland)
Access: For acute care, consult your GP first. The emergency unit and GP post operate daily from 08:00–22:00; between 22:00–08:00, non‑urgent cases are directed to Amsterdam UMC AMC’s SEH at Meibergdreef 9. Life‑threatening emergencies always go via 112.

Walk-in clinics

Best for minor conditions needing same-day, in-person specialist attention—like X-rays for sprains or cuts that may need stitches, injections, advanced diagnostics, or other invasive procedures.

Pharmacies in Amsterdam, Netherlands

In Amsterdam, pharmacies are commonly known as apotheken. They are identifiable by a green cross symbol and are typically found throughout the city. Many offer services in English, especially in central areas frequented by tourists.

Antibiotic Policy in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, pharmacists cannot sell antibiotics over the counter. A valid prescription from a licensed doctor is required to obtain any antibiotic medication.

Emergency Number in Amsterdam, Netherlands

In Amsterdam, the national emergency number is 112. This number connects you to police, fire, or ambulance services and should be used for all life-threatening emergencies.

Calls to 112 are free of charge and can be made from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card. Operators are trained to handle calls in Dutch and English, and can coordinate a rapid response.

Please remember: 112 is strictly for emergencies only. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical concerns, consider using a telehealth service like Doctorsa to speak with a licensed English-speaking doctor quickly and affordably.