Over-The-Counter Medications: Which OTC Medicine Is Most Expensive?

The cost of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can vary dramatically depending on where you are in the world. From painkillers to cough syrup, typical non-prescription treatments can be surprisingly expensive in some countries while remaining affordable in others. But what drives these price differences?

In this article, we compare over-the-counter medicine costs across global destinations, highlighting where common medications come with the highest price tag. We also explore the key factors—such as government regulations, supply chains, and market competition—that influence how much you’ll pay for everyday remedies abroad.

In this article

• Where are over-the-counter medicines most expensive?
• Countries with the most expensive paracetamol
• Countries where cough syrup is most expensive
• Countries where throat lozenges are most expensive
• Why are OTC medications so expensive in some countries?

The cost of over-the-counter medicines

The escalating cost of healthcare is a global issue, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are no exception. 

From pain relief to digestive aids, we’ve compared prices in popular expat destinations and investigated the factors that drive them up or down. Discover how government policies, distribution, and competition may affect what you pay at the pharmacy counter, and learn how to make savvy decisions about your health expenses abroad.

Where are the best countries to live in the world?

We look at best countries for expats to live in and work abroad

Where are common OTC medications the most expensive?

Based on Google search data, we looked at 10 of the most popular expat locations. We then investigated the most prominent online chemists and pharmacies and found the lowest price of 10 common OTC medications—including paracetamol, aspirin, laxatives, nasal spray, and more. We then used this to calculate the average cost per OTC item. 

Over-the-counter medications are most expensive in Norway – on average

1/ Norway

Average cost: £7.98 per item

Norway is one of the most expensive countries for OTC medications, with an average cost of £7.98/US$10.07 across ten commonly used products. The high price of antiseptic cream, at £17.23/US$21.74 (NOK 241.29) for 50g, drives the average cost up. 

One explanation for this could be strict government regulations—you can only buy OTC medicines that are approved by the Norwegian Medicines Agency (NMA). The NMA controls pricing to ensure safety and quality, but can also lead to higher costs. 

The country’s high wages and cost of living also contribute to the expense, as businesses adjust pricing to cover operational costs.

2/ Switzerland

Average cost: £7.59 per item

Switzerland follows closely behind, with an average cost of £7.59/US$9.57 for common OTC medicines. Like Norway, Switzerland has a highly regulated pharmaceutical market, where strict pricing controls and quality standards contribute to higher costs. 

While private health insurance often helps cover prescription medications, OTC medicines are generally an out-of-pocket expense, making affordability a concern for some residents and expats.

3/ Portugal

Average cost: £6.37 per item

Portugal ranks third on the list, with an average OTC medication cost of £6.37/US$8.04. While significantly cheaper than Norway and Switzerland, this is still higher than in many other European nations. 

A potential reason for this is Portugal’s reliance on imported medications, which can be affected by exchange rate fluctuations and international supply chain issues. Additionally, the country has a smaller pharmaceutical manufacturing base than larger economies, meaning fewer locally produced, cost-effective alternatives.

Top 10 countries where over-the-counter medicines are most expensive

Rank

Country

Avg cost per item*

1

Norway

£7.98

2

Switzerland

£7.59

3

Portugal

£6.37

4

Ireland

£5.42

5

Netherlands

£4.72

6

USA

£3.80

7

Australia

£3.69

8

Canada

£3.46

9

New Zealand

£2.89

10

France

£2.58

*Across 10 common OTC medicines

It’s important to think about the quality of healthcare

Discover the countries with the best healthcare in the world

Everyday over-the-counter medication prices

How much could expats pay for common OTC medications around the world? Let’s dive into the highest prices for paracetamol, cough syrup, and throat lozenges.

Countries with the most expensive paracetamol

The USA, Canada, and Norway rank as the most expensive countries for paracetamol, with prices of £3.68/US$4.64, £3.34/US$4.21, and £2.98/US$3.76 for a pack of 20 tablets, respectively.

In the USA, prices are primarily market-driven, as there are no government-imposed price controls on OTC medications. This allows manufacturers and retailers to set prices freely, leading to significant variations depending on where the medication is purchased.

Average cost of paracetamol (20 tablets)

1. USA: £3.68
2. Canada: £3.34
3. Norway: £2.98

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Countries where cough syrup costs more than £13 – on average

Norway, the Netherlands, and Switzerland have the highest average prices for 200ml of cough syrup, costing between £11 and £13 (US$13.88-16.40). 

The Netherlands’ high cough syrup prices could be due to regulatory policies and restricted competition within the pharmacy sector. Although the country has an advanced healthcare system, over-the-counter medicines often come at a premium, particularly for branded options.

Average cost of cough syrup (200ml)

1. Norway: £13.36
2. Netherlands: £12.99
3. Switzerland: £11.64

Countries where you could pay nearly £6 for throat lozenges

If you need throat lozenges to accompany your cough syrup, you’ll likely pay the most in Ireland. The average cost of a pack of 16 lozenges is £5.99/US$7.56 (€7.15)—just under 5% more than it costs in Portugal.

Over half of Irish adults say the cost of their OTC medication has risen recently, with two reasons being widespread medicines shortages and business expenses getting more and more costly.

Average cost of throat lozenges (16 pieces)

1. Ireland: £5.99
2. Portugal: £5.70
3. Netherlands: £3.18

The cost of living in the UK has surged over the last few years

We compare the UK to countries with a cheaper cost of living

Why are over-the-counter medications so expensive in some countries?

The cost of OTC medications varies widely between countries, with some nations charging significantly more due to a combination of regulatory policies, distribution limitations, and economic factors. 

In countries with strict government regulations, such as Norway and Switzerland, price controls intended to maintain high safety and quality standards can also result in limited competition and higher consumer costs. Additionally, in many high-cost countries, over-the-counter medications are primarily sold in pharmacies rather than supermarkets or online, reducing opportunities for price competition and discounts. 

For expats, these price differences can significantly impact healthcare accessibility and daily expenses. Those moving from a country with lower medication costs may experience sticker shock when purchasing basic medicines abroad, especially if they are used to easy access and lower prices. 

This could lead expats to explore alternative options, such as purchasing in bulk when travelling, opting for generic brands where available, or considering international health insurance plans that cover over-the-counter medications.

Are you on prescribed medication and thinking about moving abroad?

Read our full guide on how to use pharmacies overseas

How expats can make informed decisions about health-related expenses

In some cases, restricted availability of over-the-counter drugs outside pharmacies can also mean additional inconvenience, requiring expats to adjust their habits and plan for everyday healthcare needs. Here are some tips and tricks to make your lives easier: 

1. Know before you go – Make informed decisions as an expat by researching your host country’s healthcare system and costs — what are the regulations and restrictions? This includes understanding how prescription and over-the-counter medications are priced and dispensed.
2. Go for local and generic brands – In some countries, local brands may be more affordable than international ones you recognise. Opt for generic brands whenever possible, as they typically offer the same efficacy at a fraction of the cost. Make sure you ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider for recommendations so you can get an OTC medication that will help you.
3. Organise your international insurance before you go – International health insurance is particularly crucial for expats as it offers financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected medical needs. The best international healthcare providers can also provide access to a network of healthcare providers and support services, ensuring that expats receive appropriate care and assistance while living abroad. 
4. Shop around – Prices can vary between pharmacies and online retailers. Don’t hesitate to compare prices and look for discounts or promotions. Depending on the country you’re in, some over-the-counter medicines may also be available within supermarkets, which is often cheaper than in chemists.

It’s important to look after your health, safety and well-being abroad

We look at how you can protect your life and well-being as an expat

Wherever you go, go with total peace of mind

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience of helping expatriates finding best places in the world to move abroad and settle into their new lives overseas by providing world-class international health insurance. Plus, we produce lots of expert material to help you and your family adapt to life abroad.

Making the move to another country can be challenging. But no matter where you go, you can take one thing off your mind. William Russell offers international health insurance that covers you for everything from minor injuries to long hospital stays, and we also provide medical evacuations for patients who require emergency life or limb-threatening treatment where it’s not available locally.

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Methodology

We created a list of the most popular countries for British expats based on global UK searches for “move to [country]“.

For each of the top 10 countries, we found the biggest chemist with products available for purchase online.

We then found the lowest price available on the site for each of these medications:

1. Ibuprofen
2. Paracetamol
3. Aspirin
4. Antihistamines
5. Laxative/constipation relief
6. Antiseptic cream
7. Nasal spray
8. Cough syrup
9. Eye drops
10. Throat lozenges

For each, we found the cost in local currency per unit, e.g. per tablet, gram, or millilitre. We then used this to find the total cost over a uniform amount; these were:

1. Ibuprofen (20 tablets)
2. Paracetamol (20 tablets)
3. Aspirin (20 tablets)
4. Antihistamines (20 tablets)
5. Laxative/constipation relief (20 tablets)
6. Antiseptic cream (50g)
7. Nasal spray (20ml)
8. Cough syrup (200ml)
9. Eye drops (10ml)
10. Throat lozenges (16 pieces)

The local currency was then converted to GBP using Xe.com.

All data was collected in January 2025 and is correct as of then. Please note stock availability on each chemist’s website may have changed since data collection.

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