Diabetes type 1 - Insulin Depedent - Getting insulin & cost

Hi,

From next year we plan to move to Spain for 5 months of each year. My wife is type 1 diabetic & insulin dependent & she will be 58 next year.　

How can she get insulin in Spain & what will it cost? Is it correct that she has to get a SIP card? And is that one visit to a local doctor or monthly visits?

Thanks for any advice or help that you can offer.

Mike & Ellen

Hi

A SIP card is only available for residents.

If you are only visiting a country for less than 6 months in a year then your EHIC card will get you the emergency treatment you need. A script is classed as emergency!

Try ringing EHIC in Newcastle and they will let you know what you can and can not do on an EHIC. They will tell you how to ask at the doctor for your insulin and if you have to pay full price or a discounted price.

Don't forget to take out travel insurance for your stay.

I believe that there is a.diabetes in spain web site

Good luck

Mike:    From next year we plan to move to Spain for 5 months of each year:   

If you come to Spain intending  to stay, or stay 3 months or more permanently, then you must register on the EU Citizens Register.  

In such a case you may find that the EHIC does not cover you as it is for visitors only.  You may need to check that out with DWP.

Also, I have known a couple of cases where the Tax Office has said that those registered on the EU Register are tax resident.  That is an argumentative point though, depending on which part of the rules you rely on,  but it might mean you will have to prove your situation.

PS     To clarify:    If you move to Spain as you said, which I do not think you mean, then you become resident immediately and must register on the EU Citizens Register.    

Thanks all for you advice.

I have just found 'Health Care in Spain' NHS web site which seems to say that we can use the EHIC provided that we get a "EU cross border prescription" from our doctor before we travel.

I have sent them the same question as in my original post, so I will see what then have to say when they reply (within 20 days!).

Thanks again