Prescription charges and health care

It's my understanding (Spain veterans please correct me if I'm wrong) that until you go on the public Spanish health care system (with a letter sent to Newcastle saying you are transferring your care) then you are still eligible to use NHS services. So during the year you use private health care in Spain you could still order prescriptions on the NHS. have them delivered to a nominated pharmacy, have a friend or family member pick them up and ship them out to you...

Hi Cliff,

Have I previously recommended Karen at Collyfer. We think she is brilliant.

Private healthcare is difficult out here given that private clinics/ facilities can be quite a way from.you.

I seem to remember someone posting on Arboleas Forum regarding private GPs in Albox. May I suggest you.join and post on www.arboleas.co.uk asking about Private Practitioners. Post under General chatter.

Been out of the NHS for too many years to comment on prescriptions & assume you are under retirement age and want to apply for Residencia?

Many meds are OTC out here and if we weren't travelling would pop into local pharmacy and cost.the.meds for you. If you get no joy by end of July feel free to pm me.

Must be very worrying but maybe a letter to DWP OVERSEAS in Newcastle might clarify some issues.

BEST WISHES,

Dr. Bob and Sandra

Mojacar Playa and Puerto Lumbreras

Bob thank you for your reply, yes we are both under retirement age and therefore would require private insurance, which unfortunately doesn't cover our on going conditions.  I did speak to Newcastle and explained that we were going to Spain in August and they only sent a letter stopping our UK cover on the NHS. I had to phone a say we were staying to still get cover for the first year if we need treatment etc.  

Hi Cliff

I've been with two different private insurance companies, Sanitas and Adeslas.  The private hospitals are in Almeria which is fine for me as I live near Sorbas.  If you live near Albox then I don't see why you wouldn't be able to use any private hospital even if it happened to be in Murcia or Granada province if that was a closer option.  The health insurance companies give you a book (or you can download the list) of private GP"s and specialists who work with them.  Of the 2 companies I have used  I prefered Sanitas (which belongs to BUPA, actually). Adeslas needs to update its book of specialists as many I found, don't work with them anymore which has been inconvenient at times.   My neighbor is with ASSA but their cover seems limited for what they pay and basic blood analysis isn't included in their 'well woman's scheme! 

There is an English translator to help out in the hospital in Almeria when necessary by the way.  Ther is also a private health centre in Vera.  They prefer to work with Sanitas or a company called Asisa. Hope any of this helps.

Hi, thank you for your reply it has certainly helped, we have looked into Sanitas which seems to be one of the better and cheaper private insurances, we are just waiting to see if they can give us a quote before we arrive as their website says you need a Spanish address. We did try ASSA but they wouldn't cover me because I have high blood pressure and have a stent fitted, although I am very fit. Thank you for replying