Primary Care
Also known as: First-line care, General practice, Family medicine, Ambulatory care
Primary care is the first level of healthcare you access for general health problems, usually through a GP.
Last updated: 2 April 2026
Real-world example
You develop an ear infection in Lisbon. You need primary care, not a hospital. You find a centro de saúde (health centre) near your hotel, see a doctor within an hour, get a prescription for antibiotics, and pay EUR 20. Total time from symptom to treatment: 90 minutes.
Why travellers need to know
Primary care systems differ dramatically between countries. In some (UK, Netherlands), you must register with a GP practice. In others (France, Spain, most of Asia), you can walk in to any clinic. Knowing how primary care works in your destination means you get treated faster for routine problems rather than defaulting to expensive emergency departments.
Country-specific notes
Must register with a huisarts; visitors use after-hours GP posts
The Dutch system requires everyone to register with a huisarts (GP). Visitors can access the huisartsenpost (after-hours GP service) without registration for urgent primary care needs. Regular daytime GPs may refuse unregistered patients.
Tip
Call the huisartsenpost on 0900-1515 for evening, weekend, or holiday GP access without registration.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
How Nomedic helps
Walk into any clinic abroad and show your Nomedic health summary — the doctor sees your history, medications, and allergies without a phone call to your home GP.
Sources
Your health records, anywhere you go
Any clinic, any country, your full history.
Free to start. No credit card required.