Health is priceless, but health products do not have to be. With these five practical tips, you can save significantly on medicines and other pharmacy products without compromising on quality.
1. Choose generic medicines
Generic medicines contain the same active ingredients as branded products but are often 30 to 60 percent cheaper. In Belgium, many over-the-counter medicines are available as generic alternatives. Ask your pharmacist about the generic version of your regular medicines.
Example: a box of branded paracetamol can cost twice as much as the generic version, while the efficacy is identical. The difference lies in the brand name and marketing, not in the effectiveness.
2. Buy larger packs
The price per tablet or per dose is often considerably lower in larger packs. If you use a product regularly, it pays to buy the bigger pack. However, keep an eye on the expiry date: do not buy more than you can use before it expires.
On PharmaCompare, you can compare prices of different pack sizes and choose the most cost-effective option.
3. Compare prices online
Prices for the same product can vary significantly between online pharmacies. A difference of 20 to 30 percent is not unusual. By spending a few minutes on price comparison, you can quickly save several euros per product.
Use PharmaCompare to quickly see which pharmacy offers the lowest price. Our comparison is always independent and objective.
4. Take advantage of promotions and seasonal offers
Online pharmacies regularly offer discounts on specific product categories. Think of:
- January/February: vitamins and immune support supplements
- Spring: allergy products and hay fever remedies
- Summer: sun protection and insect repellents
- Autumn/Winter: cough and cold remedies
Keep an eye on PharmaCompare's deals page so you never miss a promotion.
5. Combine orders for free shipping
Most online pharmacies offer free shipping above a certain order value. By combining your orders, you save on delivery costs. Make a list of products you will need soon and order them all at once.
Free shipping overview:
- Viata: free from 49 euros
- Farmaline: free from 39 euros
- Medi-Market: free click-and-collect in store
Bonus tip: be cautious with "savings" on products you do not need
The best saving is always not buying products you do not need. A promotion is only a good deal if you actually use the product. Do not be tempted by discounts on products you would not normally buy.
Conclusion
By wisely choosing generic alternatives, larger packs, online price comparison and taking advantage of promotions, you can save considerably on your pharmacy expenses. PharmaCompare helps you by always showing the best price at licensed Belgian online pharmacies.