Medical Advice Sought

Savannah23052111 · 2019-01-30T17:08:14+01:00

Navigating Spain's healthcare system as an expat: seek advice on managing medication side effects and accessing timely medical care.

Savannah23052111 Member

Member since 30 January 2019

Savannah23052111Member30 January 2019 15:08:14

Hi.
I am a 59 year old female and moved permanently to Spain just over a year ago. I am married but do not have much disposable income.
I absolutely love lif in Spain -聽 the only drawback being healthcare.
we are looking in to residencia but the cost of a years private health insurance is a bit prohibitive just now.
I think I have just been unfortunate it I went to the doctor a few months ago ( with an interpreter to get anti depressant medication ( due to menopause and ongoing condition of haemochromotosis) The doctor prescribed medication but it has made me feel very nauseous and sick. Been to pharmacist to get anti sickness drugs it they have not helped. Been on the drugs over two months聽 now and apparently you can't just stop them. I have been trying desperately to get another doctors appt but have waited more than 3 weeks now. My appointments have been cancelled twice ( doctor was sick and then emergency) . I am due to go back in over a week.
I have no home back in U.K. and don't want to have to go back there to see a U.K. doctor unless absolutely necessary. Can anyone offer any advice as to what I should do? Thank you

Johncar Spain Expert

Member since 25 November 2013

JohncarSpain Expert30 January 2019 15:19:35

1412

In spain one can always go the urgencias at hospitals.聽聽They are not the same as an accident and emergency unit U.K.

However you cannot live in spain unless you have EU Citizen Registration (green paper certificate ).聽聽

In your case I believe you will be entitled to free medical cover provided by spain.聽聽I suggest you follow that up with maybe the social security dept for the area where you live

CasaQuince Member

Member since 02 October 2014

CasaQuinceMember30 January 2019 15:24:36

'Urgencias' in the hospitals is usually very good. Always available. Take your EHIC card and passport...although rumour has it that free healthcare is now available to all in Spain!!

Johncar Spain Expert

Member since 25 November 2013

JohncarSpain Expert30 January 2019 15:59:11

1412

Casa looks like you were writing your post as I was posting mine so we 鈥榦verlap鈥� a bit

From what Savanna said it would appear she probably does not have an EHIC.聽聽I know they work well for tourists as my adult son has had an operation and two hospital stays, then follow up consultations using one

Northern Belle Member

Member since 21 July 2015

Northern BelleMember30 January 2019 17:18:43

Hi, have you thought about joining Helicopteros Sanitarios? No appointment needed - you just walk in and see a doctor immediately. Ideal when you cannot get to see your GP for about a week especially when it's an emergency. Look them up on helicopteros sanitarios.com. well worth joining. Good Luck

海角乱伦 health insurance

Protect your health and get easy access to treatment for expats in Spain.

Johncar Spain Expert

Member since 25 November 2013

JohncarSpain Expert30 January 2019 17:30:40

1412

Belle I think you missed this part of Savannah post

鈥�.......聽聽do not have much disposable income. ....... but the cost of a years private health insurance is a bit prohibitive just now.鈥�

So taking out cover with Helic贸pteros would seem to be out of the question