• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Going to Spain (Long term)

dolliediabetic

Member
Messages
24
Location
United Kingdom
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
*EDIT / UPDATE*
I think I've worded this all very wrong.

I will not be claiming prescriptions here and mailing them to Spain. Just the insulin I already have here. Once I am out of the country I will not be getting prescriptions here. I just have a few boxes I would want to be sent over, rather than taking it all over in one go.

My question was if anyone was aware of the cost of a prescription over there.

Spain has generally the same as the NHS. Tax contributions from work cover your healthcare, so I won't be relying on an EHIC for the duration of my stay - only the first couple of days.



*ORIGINAL POST*
I’m going to Spain long-term after a 2 month seasonal job and have a few little questions!

I’m aware my EHIC will cover emergencies until I have started tax payments under my NIE, but was intrigued if anyone knew the following.

I’m aware insulin prescriptions need to be paid for, although apparently it’s very cheap. Any idea of the cost of a box of vials (for pens) or a box of disposable pens?

Is it possible for my family to ship/mail me the insulin I have in the fridge at home? I was lead to believe this would be okay as it is within the EU, but is this true, or would it be confiscated?*
 
Last edited:
Qualification for prescriptions under the NHS is about residence in the uk.
If you live here, you are entitled to prescriptions. If you do not live here, even if you live within the EU, you are not entitled to prescriptions.

Some people continue to get NHS prescribed medication shipped to them overseas for 6 months or more. However, they are not entitled to do so. I have no idea of the penalty if you are found out but I would feel I was defrauding the UK tax payer. But perhaps I am a little too pure in my thoughts on this.

I believe EHIC is only valid whilst the UK is in the EU. With Brexit hanging over us, I would encourage you to find a lounger time solution as soon as possible.
 
I was wondering if your job or your employer offered a healthcare package? I wouldn’t ship insulin overseas as @helensaramay said it’ll be leading to fraud. Also it is troublesome to ship insulin due to environment and weather. Our prescriptions are for UK residence. I’d look into health insurance to cover endo, doctor and prescriptions. EHIC would cover some prescriptions and doctors but you need a long term solution because you do need to see a consultant or more specialist help for diabetes.
I heard it’s not too expensive to buy insulin at the pharmacy. I had to pay €40 in the netherlands for novorapid. I can’t comment prices for Spain.
 
EHIC. Is for emergency care only. Nothing to do with routine prescriptions. They would not be covered under EHIC.
 

I meant Spanish prescription cost, and if they could mail the insulin I already had. Once I make the move, I won't be claiming another UK prescription that's for sure!
Once out of the EU, I will be settled under my NIE there so under their healthcare system full time, thankfully!
 
I think I've worded this all very wrong.

I will not be claiming prescriptions here and mailing them to Spain. Just the insulin I already have here. Once I am out of the country I will not be getting prescriptions here. I just have a few boxes I would want to be sent over, rather than taking it all over in one go.

My question was if anyone was aware of the cost of a prescription over there.

Spain has generally the same as the NHS. Tax contributions from work cover your healthcare, so I won't be relying on an EHIC for the duration of my stay - only the first couple of days.
 


If you already have the insulin, just take it with you. Posting something temperature sensitive to Spain could be risky, and if its spoilt, you're left high and dry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…