Kenwoodlad

We are hoping to move to Spain when we retire. I've read many of the threads on here and elsewhere and it would seem that, as UK pensioners, we will be covered by the Spanish state scheme via the S1 form. But what I need to find out is what is actually covered by the Spanish state scheme? Have googled till I'm blind but can't seem to find definitive answers. Specifically, my partner suffers from ankylosing spondylitis and needs a weekly injection of a drug called Enbrel. This is an expensive medication and I wondered if it would be supplied by the Spanish state scheme/S1 agreement.

Thanks in advance for any replies. This is a great wee site by the way.

lynnxa

if you are in reciept of a UK pension you will be entitled to the same healthcare benefits as a Spanish pensioner - everything including meds free

anonimouse

I bet you could buy it over the counter for peanuts here anyway

Kenwoodlad

Thank you so much for that swift response - and just what we wanted to hear!

Cheers.

lynnxa

actually maybe I should have said most meds free

I just remembered that an elderly lady I sometimes go to the doctor with has to pay for some of her diabetes testing equipment

but she does pay a vastly reduced rate - nothing like a non pensioner would

even my dad who is only here on hols got some asthma meds which would normally cost over 80€ for next to nothing with a prescription from our local doctor

Mitzyboy

Its never that straightforward though is it.
Some are cheap, some are expensive
Statins ... you can buy them over the counter but some cost €50 a box, some cost €2 or €3 a box

Kenwoodlad

That's OK, we'll be doing a lot more investigation before we move. Even if the meds aren't completely free, as long as we don't have to pay full cost we'd be OK.

jdr

As lynnxa says you will be covered the same as a Spanish pensioner, but this does not cover Opticians or Dentists although some good discounts are available for this type of treatment.

Kenwoodlad

I might have to follow the old Scottish tradition of getting all my healthy teeth pulled and having dentures fitted to make sure I never have to pay for a dentist ever again! In my parents' day, that was the thinking and it was often an 18th birthday present to have it paid for. It doesn't bear thinking about.

Thanks for all the replies folks, much appreciated.

stevesainty

Does the Spanish health care system go in for preventitive medicine like regular cancer screening or well persons clinics?

jdr

All the clinics and hospitals do in this area, they promote checkups etc.

Fred James

Not this drug!

€2000 a month would be cheap!

Kenwoodlad

Hi Fred.

Is that a genuine quote for price? And would that not be covered by the Spanish state healthcare scheme? If it is really €2000 a month then our dreams of retiring to Spain just went out the window.

Fred James

Check the online pharmacies and you will come up with that sort of figure.

Spain is usually pretty good with drugs - probably better than the NHS in the UK who seem to penny pinch on everything.

I will see if our local pharmacy knows if it is on the approved list and if not, how much it costs on a private scrip.

Kenwoodlad

If you could do that. I'll be forever in your debt. We think we have all the other areas covered as far as moving goes but this is the one showstopper.

Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming and helpful, I'm quite overcome.

[Goes to dark room for a wee lie down and a quiet sob.]