Hi all,

my 33 year son is hoping to spend a couple of years in Spain. He has an Australian passport as well as an expired UK. He could replace his UK with an Irish one but it’s a bit of a long process with his situation.

Unfortunately he has Crohn’s disease requiring him to have outpatient infusions every 8 weeks. All the pills no longer work for him so there aren’t many options left - in fact there’s only 2? Which require monthly self administered injections.
does anyone have experience in organising something like this ?
thanks in Advance.

He would not have to replace the UK one with an Irish one, he can hold both.

Where is he currently resident? Australia or the UK?

Hi Pollyanna, living in Aus. He’s not lived in the UK since he was 6.

Irish passport post Brexit would give him easy access to Spain.

I agree Scott but he has to first apply to be registered as an overseas birth which apparently takes about 7 months ! Plus a good donation to the guarda After that, he can apply for a passport. That will no doubt be another few months due to brexit increased applicants.
I’m not sure he quite qualifies to come in as a family member on his fathers Irish passport but still not sure if he would get coverage anywhere for his life essential meds.
sadly for me, my own irishness is a generation or 2 too far back

Does he get free meds in Australia?

We have a friend who has the same illness as your son. She flies to the UK (from Italy)every 6 weeks for infusions.

Yes missile, he gets it free under Medicare

What is the incentive to move to Spain? He might be better to stay in Australia?

Unless he gets a job in Spain, he will not get free medical care. Also without private medical insurance he will not be eligible the reside in Spain. Private insurance does not normally include medication.

Ok, thanks for all the input..
.so the situation is my husband and I should be moving to Spain by summer. Our son would love the chance to experience the world a bit more. And I think he’d miss his ole mum n dad
I am aware of the residency regulations currently and aware the unemployment rate is high.
He already speaks some Spanish - he did a 2 year course.

our biggest hurdle is keeping his Crohns under control .

Do you all currently live in Australia?
You might be better to take an extended vacation rather than relocate.

I have no idea how the health service available in Spain compares to services in Australia. To my observation services available in Spain are better than UK. However as you are aware you will have to pay for treatment.
If you can detail what treatment and medication your son requires, we might be able to give you an indication of what this would be.