Rheumatoid Arthritis - medication query

[lucyhood]

Hello

I am only 32 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis. My husband and I looking at renting in Spain for approx 6-12months only. However, does anyone know anything about getting the same meds as i would get in Uk? I will still have my 3 monthly check-ups in UK but i have to have monthly blood tests and regular prescriptions. There must be other people who have ongoing illnesses that take extended holidays so there must be a way to do this without too much disruption - can you help?

[Colinmckenzie]

Originally Posted by lucyhood

Hello

I am only 32 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis. My husband and I looking at renting in Spain for approx 6-12months only. However, does anyone know anything about getting the same meds as i would get in Uk? I will still have my 3 monthly check-ups in UK but i have to have monthly blood tests and regular prescriptions. There must be other people who have ongoing illnesses that take extended holidays so there must be a way to do this without too much disruption - can you help?

Hi Lucy,
I have the same condition as yourself. Have you any idea of how to get medication and blood tests in Spain yet? Grateful for any help you can give.

[Pasanada]

Lucy,

As you will be out of the UK longer than 3 months, you will forfeit your right to NHS care in the UK. You will need to contact Newcastle for documents to state you're no longer entitled to enable you to register with a GP in Spain. Some expats never mention their extended trips to their GP's thus no one is none of the wiser and you remain on your GP's books in the UK.

The other thing to consider is because you haven't paid into the Spanish tax system (I presume you don't have a Social Security number?), your only best option is to either see a private doctor for all medical needs or take out private health insurance. Bupa are one company who offer services to expats in Spain.

HTH

[littleredrooster]

Originally Posted by lucyhood

Hello

I am only 32 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis. My husband and I looking at renting in Spain for approx 6-12months only. However, does anyone know anything about getting the same meds as i would get in Uk? I will still have my 3 monthly check-ups in UK but i have to have monthly blood tests and regular prescriptions. There must be other people who have ongoing illnesses that take extended holidays so there must be a way to do this without too much disruption - can you help?

Hi Lucy and Colin,
My partner has much the same very severe problem.
We have Wintered in Spain many years but she has not yet taken Spanish residencia.All the meds you need and more are readily available in Spain.
However you would have to be in the Spanish health system to get the blood tests and prescriptions which would mean giving up your rights in the UK in the meantime and taking out Spanish residencia.
The alternative is to use a private clinic of which there are many.
Pricewise they are fairly reasonable,and usually of a good standard.
Hope this is some help or if I can advise you further I will try.

[littleredrooster]

Thanks Pasanada,
I know they have tightened up on the paperwork recently,so not sure if you could stay on your GPs books.
BUPA I believe is very expensive and the private clinic option may be cheaper and more convenient.

[Pasanada]

De nada, Rooster!

Yes, I'd heard things are being tightened up; I've not received medical care in the UK since I left in 2003. I'm now back in the UK so will be registering with my GP again.

BUPA are expensive, but I've heard they are one of the best in this field, personally, cheap is always best hence me mentioning one of the best.

[littleredrooster]

Thanks Pasanada,
As you say If they do not take out Spanish residencia best say nothing.
BUPA is very expensive so private clinics may be cheaper and more convenient.

[Colinmckenzie]

Originally Posted by littleredrooster

Hi Lucy and Colin,
My partner has much the same very severe problem.
We have Wintered in Spain many years but she has not yet taken Spanish residencia.All the meds you need and more are readily available in Spain.
However you would have to be in the Spanish health system to get the blood tests and prescriptions which would mean giving up your rights in the UK in the meantime and taking out Spanish residencia.
The alternative is to use a private clinic of which there are many.
Pricewise they are fairly reasonable,and usually of a good standard.
Hope this is some help or if I can advise you further I will try.

Thank you for the advice. I lived in Spain previously and had a Social Security Number, being employed for more than two years. I have been back in Scotland for almost 5 years so I doubt that the SS number in Spain would be still active. I would ideally like to return to see the Specialist in Scotland if that is possible, while getting the routine medication and tests in Spain. If you have any information on where to find advice I would be very grateful.
Thanks, Colin.

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by littleredrooster

Thanks Pasanada,
As you say If they do not take out Spanish residencia best say nothing.
BUPA is very expensive so private clinics may be cheaper and more convenient.

BUPA may be expensive, but if you take cover with Sanitas you will find it much more acceptable.

[littleredrooster]

Originally Posted by lucyhood

Hello

I am only 32 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis. My husband and I looking at renting in Spain for approx 6-12months only. However, does anyone know anything about getting the same meds as i would get in Uk? I will still have my 3 monthly check-ups in UK but i have to have monthly blood tests and regular prescriptions. There must be other people who have ongoing illnesses that take extended holidays so there must be a way to do this without too much disruption - can you help?

My wife needed blood tests possibly for similar reasons re.medication last year. Although the normal Spanish health service were willing to help at the time,it became a bit of a nightmare.
All papers regarding her medical history and treatment were translated into Spanish before we went down so she could simply walk in and request a blood test.
However this did not wash with the Spanish and she was treated as though an unknown patient with an unknown problem and they insisted on doing their own very thorough diagnosis and tests starting at square one.
Therefore to simply get a blood test she had to have several examinations,visit various specialists,have x-rays taken,etc.etc.
Much hassle and travelling and by the time it was all sorted it was way past time for her blood test anyway,but they were not concerned about that,only in making their own diagnosis in their own way and time.
Possibly there is good reason for this and maybe it is standard practice,not sure.Maybe a private service will go much quicker.