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Prescription charges

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 12:32am
4 replies151 views4 members subscribed
Alyson55

Posts: 3

Location: Almoradí

Joined: 11 Feb 2019

Hi! I am a 63 year old single woman hoping to move to the Almoradi area this year. I have been advised by m tv doctor that th climate would probably be good for my health. I have several medical conditions including copd, sleep apnoea, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. I am also on warfarin for life and need my blood checked regularly. My question is, how easy is it to register with a doctor so that my checks can be done regulalarly. Also, I am on about 15 different medications. I do not pay for prescriptions in the UK as I am over 60, but I seem to remember reading somewhere you need to be of spanish retirement age to get them free in spain. If I have to pay it would be a considerable layout each month. Looking forward to your replies. Many thanks. Alyson 

jimtaylor

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 5:18am

jimtaylor

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 5612

8738 helpful points

Location: Mudamiento

Joined: 2 Feb 2017

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 5:18am

Hi Alyson, I'm sure you'll get a few replies, and welcome to the forum.

The first thing is that if you're not in receipt of the UK state retirement pension or an exportable benefit, then you wouldn't be able to transfer to the Spanish health system. If you are in receipt of benefit, then you'd need to check with DWP at Newcastle to find out whether that could be exported and an S1 issued to enable that.

In the Valencian community prescriptions are free to those in the health system who are over over pension age, which was increased to 67 a few years ago. Those not classed as pensioners pay 40% of prescription costs. There may be some exceptions, but I think these only apply to those in receipt of particular Spanish benefits.

If you're not eligible for state health cover then you'd need private medical insurance. Whether or not you are eligible, you'll also need to prove an acceptable level of income before you become resident.

I suggest that you spend some time browsing the forum, as health cover has been and continues to be a topic of much discussion.

Alyson55

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 9:54am

Alyson55

Original Poster

Posts: 3

Location: Almoradí

Joined: 11 Feb 2019

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 9:54am

Hello Jim. 

Thank you for replying to my post. 

I had to leave work a few years ago due to my health and am living on contribution based ESA (support group) and Pip, care and mobility. I know I would lose the mobility portion of PIP but believe both the esa and care portion of pip is exportable. I also get a works pension. Do you know the eligibility for state health cover? I have heard of a SIP but don't know what that is? It is such a minefield! I couldn't afford private health care. 

Thank you again

Regards, Alyson

Stephanie86

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 2:40pm

Stephanie86

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 2748

2065 helpful points

Location: Lliber

Joined: 4 May 2017

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 2:40pm

Hi Alyson, If you refer to Jim’s reply above, itbasically says that you should check with DWP in Newcastle - where they deal with expats - to establish whether your benefits can be exported to Spain. Bear in mind that everything is likely to change after Brexit.

As an expat to be eligible for the Spanish healthcare system, you basically wither need to be receiving a UK state pension - ref Newcastle- or a recognised benefit exportable to Spain. Under pension age, there is no option other than compulsory private medical insurance. The EHIC is valid for tourist emergency treatment only.

The SIP card is the document issued by the Spanish system when they have accepted that you are entitled to healthcare - see earlier, receipt of pension or relevant benefits. One needs to quote the registration number on it whenever an appointment is made and it must be presented to the practitioner

Alyson55

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 5:23pm

Alyson55

Original Poster

Posts: 3

Location: Almoradí

Joined: 11 Feb 2019

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 5:23pm

Thank you all for your very helpful information. As you say is is all likely to change after brexit. I think I might wait a little till the brexit situation becomes clearer. 

Regards

Alyson

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