Dealing With a Sore Throat in Utrecht

A Tourist’s Guide to Medical Care in Utrecht

Online Consultations:

Great for minor but urgent issues that don’t need a physical exam, such as sore throat 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 Utrecht needing treatment for sore throat can access affordable healthcare without surprises. Insurances accepted but not required.

Learn more about sore throat treatment online.

Hospitals in Utrecht

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 sore throat 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 Utrecht

UMC Utrecht – Spoedeisende Hulp (Emergency Department)
Address: Hoofddijk 23, 3584 CW Utrecht
Access: Open 24/7 for adults and children. In life-threatening situations call 112 first. Otherwise you can walk in either via the rear “Spoed / Emergency” entrance (follow yellow signs) or the main entrance and follow hospital signage. GP or GP‑post referral recommended for non-critical cases; ambulance arrivals have direct access.

St. Antonius Ziekenhuis Utrecht – Spoedeisende Hulp
Address: Soestwetering 1, 3543 AZ Utrecht
Access: The SEH is open 24/7. First call your GP (office hours) or the GP out‑of‑hours service (HAP) at 088 130 96 20 (evenings/weekends) for non-life‑threatening issues. Walk-in after referral; ambulance patients go directly to the emergency department.

Diakonessenhuis Utrecht – Emergency Care Centre
Address: Diakonessenhuis Utrecht (check address map)
Access: The A&E unit operates 24/7. In life-threatening cases call 112. For urgent but non-critical concerns, contact your GP or call their out‑of‑hours number at 088 130 9670. A valid ID, health insurance card and GP referral may be required; walk-ins are accepted when advised.

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 Utrecht, Netherlands

In Utrecht, pharmacies are called apotheken. They are identifiable by a green cross sign and are located throughout the city. Many offer assistance in English, especially in areas with international residents and students.

Antibiotic Policy in Utrecht

In Utrecht, antibiotics are only available with a prescription. Pharmacists are not permitted to sell them over the counter without authorization from a licensed medical professional.

Emergency Number in Utrecht, Netherlands

In Utrecht, 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.